Benin City — An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain has sparked strong reactions after urging Edo youths to stop complaining from the comfort of air-conditioned rooms and take action amid growing insecurity in the state.
The APC leader, speaking at a political gathering, criticized young people for expressing frustration online about crime and public safety while allegedly failing to engage directly with the challenges on the ground.
“Stop complaining from AC rooms and come out,” he said. “If you truly care about your communities, you must participate actively in making them safer, instead of just talking on social media.”
The comments come as Edo State continues to grapple with reports of armed robberies, cult clashes, and other security challenges, prompting widespread public concern.
Social media reactions to the statement have been mixed. Some users praised the chieftain for calling for civic engagement and personal responsibility, arguing that youth involvement is key to community safety.
Others criticized the remarks as tone-deaf, suggesting that expecting ordinary citizens to confront criminals directly is unrealistic and risky, emphasizing that security is primarily the responsibility of law enforcement agencies.
Security experts have weighed in, stressing the importance of collaboration between citizens and authorities, including reporting crimes, community policing, and advocacy for better government response, rather than taking the law into one’s own hands.
The APC chieftain’s statement has reignited debates over youth activism, political rhetoric, and public safety responsibilities in Edo State, with citizens reflecting on how best to address the growing insecurity in their communities.
