BENIN CITY, Nigeria — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has alleged that some residents of the state are recruiting criminals from outside Edo to carry out kidnapping and other criminal activities, describing the trend as a growing security concern.
The governor made the disclosure while addressing participants at the 2026 Ministers’ Conference organised by the Edo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Benin City on Wednesday.
According to Okpebholo, local collaborators now arrange kidnap-for-ransom operations and hand over victims to criminal gangs operating in forested areas.
“Our people are now going outside Edo to recruit criminals to help them do the job. They will kidnap somebody and hand the victim over to them in the bush,” the governor said.
He further questioned the source of sudden wealth displayed by some individuals, linking it to criminal activities.
“Tomorrow you will see them driving expensive cars and building houses. How are they getting these things? They will tell you they are Yahoo Boys,” he added.
The governor acknowledged that insecurity remains a challenge in the state but maintained that reports circulating on social media were being exaggerated by political opponents seeking to tarnish the image of his administration.
He cited a recent incident in which security operatives were deployed to Sapele Road following reports of a security breach, only to discover that no such incident had occurred.
“All of this is just to bring this government down, to give it a bad name. It is not that we are free, but not in the way they are hyping it,” Okpebholo stated.
The governor also cautioned religious leaders against intervening on behalf of individuals arrested for criminal offences.
“Pastors, if you hear that I have arrested somebody, don’t come to beg me,” he said, stressing his administration’s commitment to tackling crime without interference.
He assured residents that security agencies were working around the clock to prevent criminals from gaining a foothold in the state.
Okpebholo also appealed to the clergy to offer special prayers for President Bola Tinubu, noting that the administration’s removal of fuel subsidy, though difficult, had contributed to ongoing development projects across Edo State.
Speaking at the event, Pastor Margaret Agbonifo commended the governor’s dedication to faith and public service, praying for a successful tenure and lasting impact on the state.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of CAN in Edo State, Rev. Alfred Agbonlahor, praised the governor for the ongoing rehabilitation of the Benin–Sapele Road.
The governor’s remarks were contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele.
