Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a strong warning to kidnappers, cultists and other criminal elements operating in the state, declaring that those convicted of serious crimes will face severe consequences under the law.
The governor made the statement on Thursday while addressing police officers and suspects paraded at the headquarters of the Edo State Police Command in Benin City.
During the event, Okpebholo commended officers involved in the arrest of a suspect linked to the kidnapping incident that occurred at the Vegetable Market on Sunday and announced a cash reward for their efforts.
The governor said his administration was determined to eliminate kidnapping and violent crime from the state and revealed plans to establish a special court dedicated to the speedy prosecution of kidnapping and cult-related offences.
“We are going to set up a special court to prosecute kidnappers and cultists. Within two weeks, the court is done with proceedings,” he said.
Okpebholo explained that he immediately directed security agencies to pursue those responsible for the recent kidnapping incident, leading to the arrest of one suspect, the neutralisation of another during security operations and an ongoing manhunt for two remaining suspects.
According to him, criminal elements and their sponsors will continue to face sustained pressure from security agencies until they are apprehended.
“They will never find peace in Edo. The message to all criminals is that they will not go free after committing a crime in this state. You will be arrested. We are ready for you and your sponsors. We are working day and night to make sure this land is safe,” he stated.
The governor also defended the security efforts of the federal government, arguing that improved support for security agencies under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu has contributed to recent operational successes.
“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.
Okpebholo urged residents to avoid criminal activities, stressing that lawful means of livelihood are preferable to risking imprisonment or harsher legal consequences.
As part of efforts to encourage security personnel, the governor presented a reward of ₦10 million to the police officers involved in the successful operation that led to the arrest of the kidnapping suspect.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, said investigations into the kidnapping case were continuing and assured residents that efforts were underway to apprehend other members of the criminal gang.
According to the police commissioner, several items were recovered from the arrested suspect, including a red Lexus RX 350 with registration number EKP 848 AE, a pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, a motorcycle and ₦2.25 million suspected to be proceeds of crime.
Agbonika expressed appreciation to the governor for supporting the command’s operations and also acknowledged the leadership of Olatunji Disu.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the police command to safeguarding lives and property across Edo State and called on members of the public to continue providing credible information that could assist security agencies in combating crime.
The commissioner noted that cooperation between residents and security agencies remains essential to sustaining recent gains in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.
