FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Edo State Peoples Democratic Party Caretaker Committee and the state government are at odds over claims that Edo has become the “capital of kidnapping and violent crimes” in Nigeria.
PDP Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, in a statement on Tuesday alleged that the state has turned into a haven for criminals despite receiving N750 million monthly in security allocations.
According to Nehikhare,
Edo State is now a haven for kidnappers and other criminal gangs, who operate with impunity, taking advantage of the deteriorating security situation, as residents and business owners continue to live in constant fear”, Nehikhare said.
Nehikhare cited the recent 12-day abduction of Afenifere Youth Council National President, Prince Eniola Olajuni, in Ibilo, Akoko-Edo LGA, as proof that criminals are emboldened.
He further claimed that at least 22 people have been killed in recent weeks, including Batemue Philip Ebo, Christopher Bello, and Victor Ogedengbe, while properties worth millions have been destroyed.
Blaming the state governor, Monday Okpebholo, Nehikhare accused him of prioritizing “godfathers and thugs” over security, crippling the state’s vigilante network, and leaving Edo in “a state of total collapse”.
“Despite receiving N750 million monthly in security votes nearly double what was available to the previous administration Senator Okpebholo has left Edo in paralysis”, he added.
Reacting to allegations by the PDP, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Fred Itua accused the PDP that under its leadership, cult violence left over 100 people dead, while the state’s PDP chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, was kidnapped in the heart of Benin.
“Edo State is not, and will never be, the so-called ‘capital of kidnapping and violent crimes’ as Nehikhare maliciously claims.
This is a dishonest fabrication from a party whose time in power was marked by gross incompetence and outright surrender to criminals”.
“Security in Edo is improving, and reckless propaganda will not deter investors. Edo is open for business, security is improving, and the government is fully committed to creating a safe and prosperous environment for all”, he added.
