FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Edo State government has accused leaders of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, of sponsoring insecurity in the state in an attempt to undermine the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
In a statement, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua alleged that intelligence reports revealed the involvement of PDP leaders in recent kidnappings and violent crimes across the state.
He described the opposition’s outcry over insecurity as “crocodile tears,” accusing them of deliberately orchestrating chaos while pretending to be concerned about public safety.
According to Itua, “The sudden concern expressed by PDP leaders is nothing but a smokescreen to divert attention from their own complicity.
“These are the same individuals who, during the 2024 governorship election, armed non-state actors with dangerous weapons, many of which were never recovered. Today, those weapons are in the hands of criminals terrorising innocent Edo citizens,” Itua said.
AljazirahNigeria recalls that on Monday, State Chairman of the PDP, Dr Tony Aziegbemi said the Okpebholo-led government had failed woefully in the protection of lives and property of citizens, noting that it is the primary responsibility of any government.
He said in the past two weeks, at least 35 innocent citizens had been brutally killed.
Aziegbemi expressed sadness over the insecurity in the state, saying the “supposed chief security officer of the state stands dazed, overwhelmed, clueless and utterly incapable of managing the worsening insecurity that has continued to claim the lives of innocent citizens almost daily.”
However, Itua alleged that PDP’s strategy is to create an atmosphere of fear, spread misinformation and discredit the current administration. “Their goal is clear — destabilise the state, weaken public confidence in Governor Okpebholo’s leadership and push a false narrative of failure. But Edo people can see through these antics,” Itua stated.
Government called on security agencies to launch a thorough investigation into the alleged involvement of PDP leaders in the rising wave of kidnappings and armed violence.
It reaffirmed its commitment to tackle insecurity and ensure the protection of lives and property.
Government urged Edo residents to remain vigilant and not fall for what it described as PDP’s “deceptive tactics.”
