Gov Oshiomhole Replies US, Says Edo Is Safe

Following warning travel advisory issued to visitors to Edo State by the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the United States Department of state, the Edo State government yesterday faulted the US action, insisting that the state is safe. The State Government in a reaction contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, and made available to LEADERSHIP yesterday in Benin  expressed dismay over what it described as “ laughable that Edo State is on the list.”
According to Ihonvbere  “ Our attention has been drawn to a travel advisory issued by the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the United States Department of State which listed Edo State as unsafe for visitors during this holiday season. We find it laughable that Edo State is on the list, and this might suggest that the US Department of State is not in tune with events in Nigeria.
“While we are unclear on the parameters used by the Department of State, we however make bold to state, and this can be confirmed from the security agencies in the country, that Edo State is the safest in the South-South region of Nigeria and one of the safest in the country.
“It beats the imagination of discerning minds that while some states which record violent crimes on a daily basis in the country are excluded from the list, Edo State which has been commended by all, including the World Bank which, through its Country Director, Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly said: ‘Edo State’s social indicators are above the national average’ and which had earlier through her predecessor, Mr.  Onno Ruhl said: ‘Edo State is one of the states in Nigeria where the willingness to change is the fastest in Nigeria’, is included in the offensive US list.