The Southern states, not leaving out Edo State, in recent times continue to witness an upsurge of crime rate attributed to the dreaded herdsmen. These crimes against humanity range from killing, kidnap, and rape.
To mitigate this criminality, the Edo state government approved the formation of the Esan Security Network (ESN) aka “Atanakpa” which had all the Enigies of Esanland as stakeholders.
“Atanakpa” as it is fondly called, has Mr. Joel Adamebor, Managing Director/CEO of Mindcast as its coordinator Edo Central. Mr. Adamebor is an astute businessman and a profound member of the Esan Noble Friends Club.
The Atanakpa vigilante group was formally inaugurated on the 19th of August 2021, and since its inception has been able to bring some respite and calm to the security situation in Esanland. Though the coordinator during our short interview with him, confirmed that the Atanakpa vigilante group still has a lot of work to do to return Esanland to the calm serenity it is known for, he nevertheless highlighted the underlisted as their major achievement with the short time they have been in operation:
Major Achievements:
- Combating incidents of robbery
- Discovering kidnappers’ hideouts and dislodging them
- Routine Patrol across all the villages in Esanland
- Working closely with the law enforcement officers in combating crime
We cannot but salute the courage of the vigilante group, whose membership is drawn from volunteers who have shown great passion towards securing the life and properties of the Esan people and protecting them from external invasion and attack. Currently each of the five local government in Esan land has a membership strength of not less than 300, fully trained to “atanakpalise” the nook and crannies of Esanland, the least they expect from us is appreciation.
Challenges: Poor remuneration, ammunition, communication gadget, mobility were some of the major drawbacks that could impact on its performance negatively.
However, the good news is that Esan sons and daughters are greatly in support of this initiative and are making efforts to ensure the group succeeds. Similarly, though the state government is not funding the group yet, the possibility has been highly considered and it’s been supportive in providing the group with a unit of the anti-kidnapping squad.
Organization: The Security network is powered by Esan Solidarity Forum comprising of Esan illustrious Sons and daughters both at home and in the diaspora. Currently the group has:
- Chairman BOT: Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Chief Anthony Okpere
- BOT Secretary: Pastor Ituah Ighodalo
- Director General: Major General (Rtd) Dr Cecil
- Director of Finance and Strategy: Dr Dorry Afe Okojie
While we specially thank the Esan Solidarity Forum, all Esan sons and daughters both home and abroad, who has contributed generously towards making this project a success, we want to enjoin all Esan people to see this as a task that must succeed.
We will be publishing names of Esan people who has contributed to the project in one of our publications, as a way of encouraging and appreciating their efforts, while also encouraging those yet to write their names in this hall of fame to please do so.