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Human Rights Day: EDOCSOs decries rising insecurity, tasks Okpebholo on empowerment of local vigilantes
Written By: Ehioze Gilbert
10 Dec 2025 04:45 PM
Benin, Edo – The Edo Civil Society Organizations (EDOCSO), a prominent coalition advocating for good governance, social justice, and human rights in Edo State, staged a rally in Benin City on Tuesday to commemorate World Human Rights Day.
The event highlighted the fundamental right to life amid escalating insecurity across Nigeria, with a particular focus on threats facing Edo and the South-South region.
Led by Coordinator General Comrade Omobude Agho, the group expressed deep concern over the "palpable fear" gripping Nigerians due to rampant banditry, terrorism, and violence.
Agho emphasized that every citizen has an inalienable right to life, calling on federal and state governments to urgently address the crisis.
"We are using World Human Rights Day to highlight that the level of insecurity in Nigeria is very bad. We are scared now more than ever," Agho stated during the rally.
He alleged rumors of bandits and terrorists establishing bases in Edo's forests, migrating southward from northern regions, and urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to prioritize equipping the state's local security network known as vigilantes with salaries, arms, and ammunition to patrol bushes and deter infiltrators.
The rally also condemned impunity and oppression of ordinary citizens by government officials or politically connected individuals.
EDOCSO stressed the need for greater public awareness of constitutional rights to enable victims to seek redress.
Speaking further, EDOCSO Secretary General Leftist God’s Power Okunbo noted increasing awareness of citizens' rights in the state but insisted more efforts are required.
The group has established study centers in all 18 local government areas, using the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) as a guide to educate residents.
Leftist Ehikioya Angel described the rally as an opportunity to sensitize men, women, children, and youths on their rights and liberate them from oppression.
"Join our study centers. we’ll teach you the laws and how to enforce your rights," she encouraged participants.
The procession commenced along Siluko Road, concluding at Useh Market in Egor Local Government Area, where flyers were distributed to passersby.
EDOCSO's action aligns with broader national concerns over insecurity, including recent reports of bandit incursions into southern states and calls for enhanced local security measures.
The group, a longstanding network of civil society entities, continues its tradition of annual Human Rights Day activities to advocate for accountability and protection of citizens.
The event highlighted the fundamental right to life amid escalating insecurity across Nigeria, with a particular focus on threats facing Edo and the South-South region.
Led by Coordinator General Comrade Omobude Agho, the group expressed deep concern over the "palpable fear" gripping Nigerians due to rampant banditry, terrorism, and violence.
Agho emphasized that every citizen has an inalienable right to life, calling on federal and state governments to urgently address the crisis.
"We are using World Human Rights Day to highlight that the level of insecurity in Nigeria is very bad. We are scared now more than ever," Agho stated during the rally.
He alleged rumors of bandits and terrorists establishing bases in Edo's forests, migrating southward from northern regions, and urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to prioritize equipping the state's local security network known as vigilantes with salaries, arms, and ammunition to patrol bushes and deter infiltrators.
The rally also condemned impunity and oppression of ordinary citizens by government officials or politically connected individuals.
EDOCSO stressed the need for greater public awareness of constitutional rights to enable victims to seek redress.
Speaking further, EDOCSO Secretary General Leftist God’s Power Okunbo noted increasing awareness of citizens' rights in the state but insisted more efforts are required.
The group has established study centers in all 18 local government areas, using the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) as a guide to educate residents.
Leftist Ehikioya Angel described the rally as an opportunity to sensitize men, women, children, and youths on their rights and liberate them from oppression.
"Join our study centers. we’ll teach you the laws and how to enforce your rights," she encouraged participants.
The procession commenced along Siluko Road, concluding at Useh Market in Egor Local Government Area, where flyers were distributed to passersby.
EDOCSO's action aligns with broader national concerns over insecurity, including recent reports of bandit incursions into southern states and calls for enhanced local security measures.
The group, a longstanding network of civil society entities, continues its tradition of annual Human Rights Day activities to advocate for accountability and protection of citizens.
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