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Francis Onoiribholo
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo has issued a blunt warning to criminals operating in the state, declaring that those who persist in crime will face prosecution, and vowed to personally sign their execution warrant.
Okpebholo made the declaration on Thursday during a parade of suspects at the Edo State Police Command headquarters in Benin City, where he also rewarded officers who arrested a suspect linked to Sunday’s kidnapping at the Vegetable Market in Benin City.
According to the governor, “We are going to set up a special court to prosecute kidnappers and cultists. Within two weeks, the court is done with proceedings and I will sign their execution.
Facing the suspects, Okpebholo said, “We will take you to the Ring Road roundabout so that Edo people can watch. I will have no regrets about it. Don’t take my simplicity for granted”.
Governor Okpebholo also said he acted swiftly after the Sunday incident, adding that he immediately directed the Commissioner of Police to ensure the perpetrators were caught.
One of the suspects was subsequently arrested, one was neutralised during the operation, and two others remain at large.
“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 however pushed back against criticism of the federal government’s handling of security, arguing that the results being recorded on the ground are evidence that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is funding security operatives effectively.
“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 appealed to Edo residents to steer clear of criminal activity, saying that it is cheaper to live within one’s means than to gamble one’s life on crime.
As a mark of commendation, the governor presented the sum of N10 million to the police operatives who apprehended the kidnap suspect.
The State Commissioner of Police, Mr Monday Agbonika confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that efforts are being intensified to track down the remaining members of the kidnap gang.
Items recovered from the arrested suspect include a red Lexus RX 350 with registration number EKP 848 AE, a pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, a motorcycle, and cash totalling N2,250,000 suspected to be proceeds of crime.
Agbonika expressed appreciation to Governor Okpebholo for his continued support to the command and to Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu for his guidance, reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
He urged members of the public to keep providing timely and credible information to the police.
