UROMI — The fight against insecurity in Uromi and other parts of Esanland has received a major boost following the donation of a state-of-the-art surveillance drone by the Uromi Like Minds Initiative (ULMI) to the Esan Youths Awareness Vigilante Network.
The donation, made in Uromi, is part of ULMI’s efforts to enhance community-driven security and complement government initiatives in tackling kidnapping and other crimes.
Chairman of ULMI’s Security Committee, Mr. Matthias Igberaese, who represented the organisation’s Executive Chairman, Deacon Darlington Okpebholo Ray, said the gesture was aimed at empowering local vigilante groups with modern surveillance technology.
In his remarks, Deacon Ray commended the Edo State Government for its ongoing efforts to strengthen security across the state, noting that community participation remained key to achieving sustainable peace.
The patron of the Esan Youths Awareness Vigilante Network, Barr. Andy Akpoka, who received the drone on behalf of the group, thanked ULMI for its support and pledged that the equipment would be effectively utilized.
The DJI Mavic 4 Pro (512 GB Creator Combo) drone, with a flight range of 30 kilometres and a take-off altitude of 6,000 metres, is capable of day and night operations.
ULMI, founded in 2020, has carried out several community development projects including refurbishment of the Edo State Library in Uromi, scholarship awards, free medical outreaches, and youth empowerment programmes.
Deacon Ray called for continued collaboration among traditional rulers, security agencies, and local government authorities, urging Uromi indigenes at home and abroad to join the organisation’s community advancement mission.