Edo's Okpebholo Tackles Residents Over Criminal Recruitment Allegations

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a stern caution to citizens, urging them to desist from enlisting criminals from outside the state to carry out abductions and other violent acts. The governor emphasized that such actions actively undermine ongoing efforts to bolster security across Edo.

Governor Okpebholo delivered this warning during his address at the 2026 Ministers’ Conference, organized by the Edo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Benin City on Wednesday. While acknowledging that security remains a pressing concern within the state, he alleged that certain individuals are intentionally inflating incident reports and disseminating misinformation via social media platforms, with the aim of discrediting his administration.

Investigations conducted by various security agencies, according to the governor, have unearthed a pattern where some criminal activities within Edo are facilitated by local collaborators. These individuals, he claimed, are responsible for recruiting armed groups from other states to execute kidnappings and various other crimes. "Do you know one painful thing? Our people are now going outside Edo to recruit criminals to help them do the job. They will kidnap somebody and hand the victim over to them in the bush," Governor Okpebholo stated.

He further expressed deep worry regarding the increasing involvement of local accomplices in these criminal enterprises. He highlighted instances where some individuals suddenly display significant wealth without any discernible legitimate source of income. "Tomorrow you will see them driving expensive cars and building houses. How are they getting these things? They will tell you they are Yahoo boys," he added.

The governor appealed to religious leaders to refrain from intervening in the judicial process for those apprehended for criminal offenses. He firmly stated that his government would not condone any attempts to shield suspects from facing justice. "Pastors, if you hear that I have arrested somebody, don’t come to beg me," he instructed.

Okpebholo conceded that Edo State is not entirely free from security challenges, but he maintained that the severity of the situation is being exaggerated by political adversaries seeking to undermine his government. "All of this is just to bring this government down, to give it a bad name. It is not that we are free, but not in the way they are hyping it," he remarked. He reassured the populace that security agencies are working diligently around the clock to combat criminality and prevent armed groups from establishing a foothold anywhere in the state.

The governor also called upon residents to offer prayers for President Bola Tinubu, asserting that despite the immediate hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidy, it has paved the way for developmental opportunities nationwide, including in Edo State.

In separate remarks, Pastor Margaret Agbonifo lauded Governor Okpebholo for his dedication to faith and public service, offering prayers for a successful tenure that would leave the state significantly improved. Similarly, Rev. Alfred Agbonlahor, the Vice Chairman of CAN in Edo State, commended the governor for the ongoing rehabilitation efforts on the Benin-Sapele Road.

Edo State has experienced a surge in kidnapping incidents and other security concerns in recent years, particularly along major roads and within rural communities. In response, the state government has intensified its collaboration with security agencies, local vigilante groups, and community leaders to curtail these criminal activities.