Edo Boils: Okpebholo Suspends Traditional Ruler Over Sh*cking Kidnapping, Killings

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the indefinite suspension of the Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom, George Egabor, over a surge in kidnappings and killings in his domain.

This directive was announced in a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua.

According to the statement, the suspension of the traditional ruler, who hails from Agenebode in Etsako East Local Government Area, follows a wave of violent crimes, including the recent killing of a palace chief.

The monarch’s secretary, Peter Omiogbemhi, has already been arrested in connection with the latest incident, which led to the death of Chief John Ikhamate.

The statement read:
“Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate and indefinite suspension of Dr. George Oshiapi Egabor, the Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom, Agenebode, Etsako East LGA, due to the alarming cases of kidnapping and killings in his domain.
Already, his secretary, Chief Peter Omiogbemhi, has been apprehended by the authorities over a recent incident that claimed the life of a Palace Chief, the Late John Ikhamate.”

In a related development, Governor Okpebholo recently declared that anyone convicted of kidnapping in Edo State would face the death penalty by hanging. He also vowed to personally sign the execution warrants of those found guilty.

He made this known during a stakeholders’ meeting at Uromi Town Hall, where he met with leaders and members of the Arewa community in Esanland.

The governor further noted that the Edo State House of Assembly has passed an amendment to the Kidnapping Prohibition Law of 2013, strengthening punitive measures against the crime.