EDO State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a stern warning to criminals operating in the state, declaring that those who persist in kidnapping, cultism and other criminal activities will face prosecution and, where provided by law, execution following conviction.
NEWS POINT NIGERIA reports that the governor made the declaration on Thursday during a parade of suspects at the headquarters of the Edo State Police Command in Benin City, where he also rewarded police officers involved in the arrest of a suspect linked to Sunday’s kidnapping incident at the Vegetable Market.
Addressing the suspects and security personnel, Okpebholo announced plans by his administration to establish a special court dedicated to the speedy prosecution of kidnappers and cultists across the state.
“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 the Ring Road roundabout so that Edo people can watch. I will have no regret about it. Don’t take my simplicity for granted,” the governor said.
The governor disclosed that he acted immediately after receiving reports of the kidnapping incident on Sunday, directing the Commissioner of Police to ensure the perpetrators were tracked down and arrested without delay.
According to him, the operation led to the arrest of one suspect, while another suspect was neutralised during the operation. Two additional members of the gang, he added, are still on the run.
“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 said.
Okpebholo also used the occasion to defend the Federal Government’s handling of security, insisting that the results being achieved by security agencies demonstrate that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is providing the necessary support and funding required for effective operations.
“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,” Okpebholo said.
The governor further appealed to residents of Edo State to avoid involvement in criminal activities, stressing that it is far better and safer to live within one’s means than to risk one’s future through crime.
As a mark of appreciation for their efforts, the governor presented a cash reward of ₦10 million to the police operatives responsible for apprehending the kidnap suspect.
The gesture, he said, was intended to encourage security personnel and motivate them to remain committed to the fight against crime and criminality in the state.
Speaking during the event, Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, confirmed that investigations into the kidnapping case are ongoing and that efforts have been intensified to apprehend the remaining members of the gang.
He disclosed that 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 cash amounting to ₦2.25 million, which is suspected to be proceeds of crime.
Agbonika expressed gratitude to Governor Okpebholo for his continued support to the command and also acknowledged the guidance and leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.
The police commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Edo State and assured residents that security agencies would continue to pursue criminals relentlessly.
He also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to the police, noting that community support remains vital to ongoing efforts to combat crime and improve security throughout the state.