•Pledges support!
Kingsley Abavo (Managing Editor), Benin
The Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has been applauded for his unrepentant resolve to tackle kidnapping, cultism and other related violent crimes in Edo State.
On Thursday, 18 June, 2026, Senator Okpebholo intensified the resolve of his administration to bring to the barest minimum, the scourge of kidnapping and cultism in the State saying; a special court would be established to try perpetrators.
In appreciation, the Senator representing the Edo Senatorial District at the national Assembly, Joseph Ikpea applauded the Governor and all the security agencies.
The Senator also pledged his unwavering support for the Governor’s resolve and stance.
Gov. Okpebholo had stated: “Now we are going to set up a special court to try kidnappers and cultists. Within two or three weeks, we are done with it, and I will sign your execution warrant.
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“I will take you to the roundabout, that is the Ring Road so that the whole people will see you. I will not have any regrets about it. So please don’t take my simplicity for granted.”
Senator Ikpea’s commendation and pledge of support for the Governor was contained in a statement he issued in his Ewatto country home in Esan South-East Local Government Area and made available to journalists in Benin, Weekend.
He also commended Governor Okpebholo for the Wednesday smashing of kidnap syndicates operating in parts of the State.
Particularly; rescue of the woman abducted at the popular Vegetable Market, off Airport road, Benin on Sunday, and the arrest of a member of the gang.
The Edo State Police Command with Governor Okpebholo, had on Thursday paraded before the media; suspected kidnappers including one of those that participated in the Vegetable Market adoption.
It was at that occasion the Governor said he would facilitate the setting up of a special court for the speedy trial of suspects within two weeks.
The obviously excited Governor, had in appreciation of the dexterity displayed by the police in arresting the kidnappers involved in the Vegetable Market incident, announced a financial reward of N10 million for the operatives.
Senator Ikpea also commended Governor Okpebholo for his support to security agencies in the fight against insecurity, and the efforts deployed to ensure Edo is safe.
“Governor Okpebholo’s prompt directive to the Edo police to fish out perpetrators of the Vegetable Market kidnap incident, and the swift response of the Police and other security agencies; that led to the rescue of the kidnapped woman and the arrest of a member of the gang, is highly commendable.”
The Senator further highlighted; the prompt action of the Governor; “is a clear signal to criminal elements around the State that nowhere is safe for them anymore, and it is a huge confidence booster for the citizens of the State that they are safe.
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“As the Senator representing Edo Central at the national Assembly, I reaffirm my support and determination to collaborate with the State Government in ensuring that Edo Central is safe.
“I am also committed to working with my fellow senators in the other senatorial districts, to collaborate with the State Government to ensure security in all parts of the State,” Ikpea reassured.
The Senator reiterated his earlier call on the indigenes and residents of Edo State, to make the issue of security as part of their civic responsibilities.
He stressed; “When everyone is involved in the business of security, all the bad elements in the State will either repent or relocate, as they will have realised that Edo State is no safe haven to criminals.”
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