Auchi, Edo – The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Sunday pledged intensified efforts to combat rampant insecurity and overhaul the state's dilapidated road network, describing both as the most urgent threats to residents' safety and economic progress during a thanksgiving service marking his first year in office.

The event, held at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Auchi Diocese, saw the governor lead members of the State Executive Council and senior All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in a solemn reflection on his administration's challenges.

Okpebholo singled out kidnappings and poor infrastructure as core hurdles, assuring attendees that his government is deploying all resources to restore order and connectivity.

"I sympathize deeply with the Church and families over the recent kidnappings of priests in this Diocese," Okpebholo said.

"There is never a day we are not concerned about the insecurity plaguing our land. We are doing everything possible to end it. With your prayers and our concerted efforts, we will overcome very soon.", he assured

The governor's remarks come amid a spate of abductions targeting clergy in the Auchi area, highlighting broader security lapses that have fueled public anxiety.

Okpebholo reaffirmed his commitment to rebuilding Edo on "peace, faith, and purposeful leadership," emphasizing governance rooted in compassion and accountability.

On infrastructure, he identified bad roads as a parallel priority, vowing sustainable development to ease transportation woes that have hampered commerce and daily life across the state.

The service was presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel G. Dunia, who praised the governor's integrity and policy actions, including the revival of monthly environmental sanitation exercises.

"You promised before God to return here if elected and today, you have kept your word," the Bishop