Owan East: Kadiri Shaka Represents Council Chairman at Erah Security Engagement, Reaffirms Commitment to Grassroots Safety

IBN News | October 26, 2026

The Owan East Local Government administration has reaffirmed its commitment to grassroots security and community safety following an engagement with members of the Erah Community Vigilante and Hunters’ security personnel.

Hon. Kadiri Shaka, Councillor representing Ward 10 in the Owan East Legislative Arm, represented the Executive Chairman of the local government, Hon. Ernest Oyaole Aitalegbe, at the engagement held in Erah Community on Saturday, October 24, 2026.

The meeting was aimed at encouraging local security volunteers and recognising their contributions to the protection of lives and property, maintenance of peace and prevention of criminal activities within the community.

Shaka’s representation underscored the council administration’s recognition of the role community-based security structures can play in supporting efforts to maintain peace, particularly in rural areas where local knowledge of the terrain and community dynamics can assist security operations.

The engagement also highlighted the importance of cooperation among local government authorities, traditional institutions, community leaders, residents and recognised security agencies in addressing security concerns.

Community vigilante members and local hunters often provide valuable support through neighbourhood vigilance, the reporting of suspicious activities and the sharing of relevant intelligence. Their efforts can complement the work of conventional security agencies when carried out responsibly and in accordance with the law.

Erah and other communities across Owan East depend on a secure environment to sustain farming, trading, transportation and other economic activities. Concerns about insecurity in parts of the area have previously included threats to farmers, farmlands and residents, reinforcing the importance of coordinated and sustained security interventions.

In January 2026, reports on appeals by Erah community leaders highlighted concerns about suspected criminal activity in the community’s forest areas and the effects of insecurity on farming and residents’ livelihoods.

The latest engagement therefore places renewed attention on the need for effective cooperation between community security volunteers and formal security institutions to prevent crime and improve public confidence.

Beyond security, the initiative reflects the connection between peace and grassroots development. Residents are better positioned to cultivate their farms, operate businesses, transport goods and pursue other legitimate activities when they feel safe in their communities.

The Owan East administration’s stated emphasis on security also aligns with broader local government priorities, including infrastructure, healthcare, transportation, agriculture and youth development. Progress in these areas depends partly on creating an environment where residents can work and invest without persistent fear.

However, effective community security requires more than encouragement. It also depends on sustained coordination, appropriate training, timely intelligence sharing, adequate support and clear accountability. Community-based personnel must operate within the law, respect human rights and work in cooperation with constitutionally recognised security agencies.

The participation of an elected ward representative at the Erah engagement also highlights the importance of maintaining direct communication between local government leadership and community institutions.

For Owan East, the challenge ahead is to translate expressions of support into consistent collaboration and practical measures that improve the safety of residents across its communities.

As the local government continues to pursue its grassroots development agenda, sustained attention to community security will remain essential to protecting lives, supporting livelihoods and building lasting peace.

IBN News will continue to follow developments concerning security and grassroots governance across Owan East and other parts of Edo State.