Insecurity: Oshiomhole Supports Death for Kidnappers, Bandits — Edo

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, the former Governor of Edo State and current representative for Edo North Senatorial District, has publicly endorsed the Okpebholo administration's proposal to implement the death penalty for individuals convicted of kidnapping and banditry. Oshiomhole emphasized that this stern measure is crucial for addressing the increasing insecurity within Edo State, asserting that criminal elements have no place in the state.

The former governor expressed these views on Saturday during the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign flag-off for the Edo North Senatorial District local government elections, held at the Public Field in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area. His comments were later detailed in a statement released on Sunday by Governor Okpebholo’s media aide, Patrick Ebojele.

Oshiomhole highlighted that with the restoration of civil liberties under the present government, only those engaged in criminal activities should harbor any apprehension towards the authorities. He declared, “I stand here to completely endorse the declaration by the governor of Edo State that we are in a federation where every state has the right to enact laws on punishment when it comes to state offences. So kidnappers and bandits will be punished by death through firing squad.”

Furthermore, the senator reiterated his advocacy for the establishment of state police, suggesting that such an initiative would significantly enhance the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force in combating insecurity nationwide.

In his address, Governor Okpebholo affirmed his government's unwavering commitment to enhancing the well-being of Edo State residents through the execution of various development projects across the state. He specifically mentioned ongoing infrastructure endeavors, including the construction and rehabilitation of roads, schools, and markets. The governor stated, “We have embarked on massive infrastructural development in the state, including roads, schools, markets and others. These achievements were not there in the past, but this administration has made them possible.”

Governor Okpebholo also lauded President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy, noting that this policy has substantially increased the financial resources available to state governments for developmental initiatives. He explained, “The removal of fuel subsidy has provided more funds for governors across the country to develop their states. This is the money we are using as a government to develop Edo State through massive road construction, schools and other infrastructure projects.”

Describing the campaign rally as an opportunity to formally introduce the APC’s chairmanship and councillorship candidates to the electorate ahead of the upcoming local government elections, Okpebholo urged party supporters to engage in extensive mobilization efforts. He also set a target of delivering 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

The governor further commended the successful rehabilitation of the Auchi-Ekpoma-Benin Road, recognizing it as a key accomplishment of the Tinubu administration.

Adding his voice, the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, advised APC candidates, if elected, to prioritize grassroots development. He stressed the importance of ensuring that citizens across all 18 local government areas of the state benefit from democratic governance. Momoh remarked, “This election is a major step towards the 2027 general election in the country. I thank the leadership of the party for building a strong party in Edo State.”

Jarrett Tenebe, the APC Chairman in Edo State, instructed the party’s candidates to emulate the state’s founding leaders by focusing on development and providing quality service at the grassroots level. He underscored that local government administration is the closest tier of government to the people, urging council chairmen to collaborate closely with Governor Okpebholo to extend the administration’s developmental impact throughout the state.

The campaign flag-off saw the presence of notable figures including Governor Monday Okpebholo, Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Momoh, APC State Chairman Jarrett Tenebe, Deputy State Chairman Sylvester Aigboboh, and other senior government officials, all rallying support for the party’s candidates for the local government election.