BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has vowed to intensify the fight against kidnapping and cult-related crimes in the state, warning that convicted criminals will face the full weight of the law.
The governor made the declaration on Thursday while addressing journalists during the parade of criminal suspects at the Edo State Police Command headquarters in Benin City.
Speaking on the recent kidnapping incident at the Vegetable Market in Benin City, Okpebholo said his administration acted immediately after receiving reports of the attack on Sunday by directing security agencies to apprehend those responsible.
According to him, one suspect linked to the kidnapping has been arrested, one was killed during a police operation, while two others are still being tracked by security operatives.
“We are going to set up a special court to prosecute kidnappers and cultists. Within two weeks, the court will conclude proceedings. I will sign your execution warrant. We will take you to Ring Road so Edo people can see. I will have no regret about it. Don’t take my simplicity for granted,” the governor said.
He stressed that criminal elements and their sponsors would no longer find the state conducive for their activities, assuring residents that the government and security agencies are working round the clock to ensure public safety.
“They will never find peace in Edo. The message to all criminals is that they will not go free after committing crime in this state. You will be arrested. We are ready for you and your sponsors,” he added.
Governor Okpebholo also defended the security efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that improved funding for security agencies is yielding positive results across the country.
“I wonder why people keep complaining that the president is not working. The president is funding the security operatives to function well. That is why we are happy about the results we are getting today,” he said.
The governor urged residents to avoid criminal activities, noting that living within one’s means is preferable to risking one’s life through crime.
As part of efforts to motivate security personnel, Okpebholo announced a reward of N10 million for the police officers involved in the arrest of the kidnap suspect.
Earlier, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, confirmed that investigations into the kidnapping case were ongoing and that efforts had been intensified to apprehend the remaining members of the gang.
He disclosed that items recovered from the suspect included a red Lexus RX 350 with registration number EKP 848 AE, a pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, a motorcycle, and N2.25 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities.
Agbonika thanked Governor Okpebholo for his continued support to the command and also acknowledged the Inspector-General of Police for his guidance. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
