…Calls for security investigation
… As Reps, Idahosa hail Okpebholo’s tough stance on insecurity
The Edo State Government has accused leaders of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of sponsoring kidnappings and violent crimes across the state, alleging that the opposition is deliberately fueling insecurity to undermine Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration.
The government claimed that intelligence reports indicated that PDP leaders are funding criminal activities, using violence as a political tool to create fear, destabilize governance, and discredit the current administration.
The allegations were made public on Tuesday in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, who condemned the PDP’s recent criticism of insecurity in the state, describing it as hypocritical.
“The sudden concern expressed by PDP leaders is nothing but a smokescreen to divert attention from their own complicity,” he said. “These are the same individuals who, during the 2024 governorship election, armed non-state actors. Today, those weapons are being used by criminals to terrorize Edo citizens.”
The wave of kidnappings, targeted attacks, and misinformation campaigns, according to government sources, is part of a larger strategy by the PDP to destabilize the state and erode public confidence in Governor Okpebholo’s leadership.
“Their goal is clear—spread fear, weaken public trust in the government, and create a false perception of failure,” Itua added.
Security officials, speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the case, confirmed that ongoing investigations have uncovered links between some PDP figures and violent groups operating in the state.
A senior security officer, Itua said disclosed that intelligence reports suggest organized efforts behind the attacks, rather than random criminal activities.
“This is not just about ordinary criminals,” the official stated. “Certain individuals in the opposition are using insecurity as a weapon against the government.”
Government officials argue that the root of the current crisis can be traced back to the former PDP-led administration under ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki.
During the 2024 governorship election, the PDP was accused of arming non-state actors to secure political advantage, a move that allegedly flooded the state with dangerous weapons. Many of these arms, they say, were never retrieved and are now being used by criminal elements to perpetrate kidnappings and assassinations.
In response to these allegations, the Edo State Government has called on security agencies, including the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), to launch a full-scale investigation into the involvement of PDP leaders in the rising wave of kidnappings and armed violence.
“No political group or individual should be allowed to hold the state hostage for political gain,” the statement read. “Those responsible must face the full wrath of the law.”
Governor Okpebholo’s administration has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling insecurity and restoring peace, assuring residents that decisive measures are being taken.
However, security analysts warn that unless swift action is taken, the situation could deteriorate further.
A senior government source emphasized that addressing the crisis must go beyond law enforcement and include exposing and prosecuting those allegedly pulling the strings behind the scenes.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Government has urged citizens to remain vigilant and not be deceived by what it describes as the PDP’s “false narratives.” The administration insists that the growing insecurity is not due to a failure of governance but a calculated effort by political actors to create chaos for their own gain.
With tensions rising and security concerns mounting, the focus is now on law enforcement agencies. Will those accused of sponsoring violence be investigated and held accountable? The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the next course of action as Edo State grapples with its worsening security situation.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has commended Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for the establishment of a Joint Security Taskforce to tackle the worsening insecurity in the state.
Code-named Operation Rescue, the taskforce has been empowered by the Okpebholo-led government through the provision of security vehicles and other gadgets as well as the restructuring of the Edo State Security Corps to strengthen community-based security measures across the state.
The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Esan North East/Esan South East Federal Constituency, Edo State, Mr Henry Okojie.
Rallying support for the motion, Okojie, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, lamented the insecurity challenges in the constituency, stressing that the establishment of a military base in Uromi will help address the challenge.
He said, “The House commends the effort of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Executive Governor of Edo State, for his innovative actions, including the establishment of a Joint Security Taskforce (Operation Rescue) to address the escalating insecurity across the State.
“This initiative includes the purchase and empowerment of security vehicles and other gadgets across the State, as well as the restructuring of the Edo State Security Corps to strengthen community-based security measures, which have started yielding positive results.
“The House urged the Federal Government through the Defence Headquarters to establish a military base in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area to enhance security presence and response capabilities in the region.”
Citing Section 14(2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution which provides for the primary purpose of government; Okojie lamented that crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, rape and cult-related killings “Are now reported almost daily, necessitating serious and tactical operations to stem the situation.”
He stated that, “The level of insecurity in Esan North East and Esan South East Federal Constituency of Edo State has reached a critical juncture, with persistent and increasing incidents of killings, kidnappings and other forms of violence”.
According to him, “The House is saddened by the increasing rate of insecurity, and the situation has become unbearable. This has caused constituents to live in fear, experience psychological trauma, and suffer a significant decline in their overall sense of security. Numerous people have been killed, and their mutilated bodies have been recovered, showing signs of organ harvesting.
He further noted that the criminals operate predominantly along “The rail route from Uzea to Ugboha, Amedokhian, Udo, Eko-Ibadin, and Ubiaja to Ewohimi in the Esan North East/Esan South East Federal Constituency of Edo State, and have escalated their activities to include kidnapping people in their homes.”
Following the overwhelming support for the bill, the House observed a minute silence in honour of the dead.
It also urged the Federal Government to direct the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Army, the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant agencies, to “conduct an intensive investigation to curb these nefarious activities, and to foster synergy among the security agencies and relevant stakeholders to effectively address the trend of insecurity in Esan North East/Esan South East Federal Constituency, Edo State.
The House also called on the Federal Government, through the Defence Headquarters to establish a military base in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, to enhance security presence and response capabilities in the region.
It further mandated its Committees on Defence, Army, National Security and Intelligence, Police and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative actions
Also, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Hon. Charles Idahosa, has lauded Governor Monday Okpebholo for taking bold and decisive steps to curb criminal activities in the state.
Speaking to journalists at his residence in Benin City, Idahosa commended the governor’s efforts, particularly the demolition of properties linked to kidnappers.
He criticized the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), particularly its Caretaker Committee Chairman, Anthony Azeigbemi, and Deputy Chairman, Barr. Harrison Omogbon, for spreading what he called false narratives about insecurity in the state.
Idahosa accused them of misleading the public by portraying Edo as a kidnapping hub under the Okpebholo administration.
Drawing comparisons, Idahosa recalled that both Azeigbemi and Omogbon were victims of kidnapping during former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s tenure, yet they never condemned the administration’s handling of security.
He pointed out that Azeigbemi was abducted after leaving a meeting at the Government House and spent ten days in captivity, while Omogbon’s wife was kidnapped in broad daylight.
Idahosa dismissed PDP’s case at the election tribunal as a weak and predicted victory for the APC, arguing that the opposition failed to present a strong legal argument.
He also expressed confidence in Okpebholo’s leadership, describing him as a governor with vision and determination.
Highlighting ongoing development efforts, Idahosa noted that Edo would soon witness its first flyover in Benin City under Okpebholo’s administration.
He criticized Obaseki’s government for demolishing properties belonging to political opponents rather than criminals, emphasized that the current administration’s actions, including the demolition of kidnappers’ hideouts, would serve as a strong deterrent to crime.
Other Edo residents, including Nicholas Iwomi, Abu Gabriel, and Evelyn Ogboen, echoed Idahosa’s sentiments, lauding the governor’s crackdown on crime.
They described the demolitions as a necessary step in restoring security and order in the state.
