Photos Emerge As Edo Governor Okpebholo Sparks Reactions Over Heated Remarks

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a strong warning to kidnappers, cultists, and other criminal elements operating in the state, urging them to abandon crime or face prosecution and the possibility of capital punishment if convicted.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

He gave the warning on Thursday while addressing journalists during the parade of suspected criminals at the Edo State Police Command headquarters in Benin City.

During the event, Governor Okpebholo also rewarded police officers with ₦10 million for their role in apprehending a suspect linked to the Sunday kidnapping incident at the Vegetable Market.

The governor further announced plans by his administration to establish a special court dedicated to the swift trial of kidnapping and cult-related cases in the state.

He said:

“We are going to set up a special court to prosecute kidnappers and cultists. Within two weeks, the court is done with proceedings. I will sign your execution. We will take you to Ring Road roundabout so that Edo people can watch. I will have no regret about it. Don’t take my simplicity for granted.”

Okpebholo stated that he had instructed the Commissioner of Police to ensure immediate action following the Vegetable Market incident, adding that one suspect was arrested, another was neutralised during a security operation, while two others are still at large.

He maintained that his administration is committed to making Edo State unsafe for criminals and their sponsors, warning that offenders would not escape justice.

“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. We are working day and night to make sure this land is safe,” he said.

The governor also advised residents to avoid criminal activity, stressing that living within one’s means is better than risking one’s life through crime.

He further defended the Federal Government’s efforts on security, stating that ongoing support for security agencies under President Bola Tinubu’s administration was yielding positive results.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, confirmed that investigations are ongoing and efforts are being intensified to apprehend fleeing members of the gang.

He disclosed that items recovered from the arrested suspect included a red Lexus RX 350 (EKP 848 AE), a pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, a motorcycle, and ₦2.25 million suspected to be proceeds of crime.

Agbonika appreciated the governor’s support and commended the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his guidance, reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property while urging residents to continue providing useful information to security agencies.