Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a strong warning to criminals operating in the state, saying those who persist in crime will be prosecuted and he is prepared to personally sign their execution warrants.
The governor made the statement on Thursday during a parade of suspects at the Edo State Police Command headquarters in Benin City, where he also commended officers who arrested a suspect linked to Sunday’s kidnapping incident at the Vegetable Market.
“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.
Governor Okpebholo said he responded quickly after the Sunday attack by directing the Commissioner of Police to ensure the perpetrators were apprehended. One suspect was arrested, another was neutralised during the operation, while two others are still at large.
“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.
The governor also responded to criticisms of federal security efforts, insisting that ongoing results show that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is adequately supporting security agencies.
“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.
He urged residents to avoid crime, stressing that lawful living is safer and more sustainable than engaging in illegal activities.
As a gesture of appreciation, he awarded ₦10 million to police operatives involved in the arrest of the kidnapping suspect.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, confirmed that investigations are ongoing and efforts are being intensified to arrest other members of the gang.
Recovered items from the suspect include a red Lexus RX 350, a pump-action shotgun, live cartridges, a motorcycle, and ₦2,250,000 suspected to be proceeds of crime.
He thanked the governor and the Inspector-General of Police for their support, and urged the public to continue providing useful information to security agencies.