By Our Correspondent
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has warned that he will authorise the execution of four people convicted over the Vegetable Market kidnapping in Benin City unless they file an appeal within 30 days.
The governor gave the ultimatum while speaking at a church fellowship at God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry, where he gave an account of his government’s fight against kidnapping, cultism and other violent crime.
The four were convicted and sentenced to death by an Edo State Special Criminal Court on September 29, 2026, for abducting a woman at the Vegetable Market on Airport Road.
According to the governor, insecurity was among the most serious problems he inherited on taking office, and he discussed both the condition of the state’s roads and the security situation with President Bola Tinubu when they met.
He recalled that after the Vegetable Market attack, he telephoned the President, who asked whether he could handle the situation, and he answered in the affirmative. He said he then prayed that the perpetrators would be arrested within 24 hours and followed up with the Commissioner of Police, insisting on their arrest.
“I told him I wanted these guys arrested because I already have an approval from God, and they were caught within that time,” he said.
With the suspects now sentenced, Okpebholo said he hoped they would let the judgment stand.
“They are already sentenced to death, and I pray they don’t appeal the judgment. Even when they appeal the judgment, they are only delaying time. If within 30 days, they don’t appeal, I will execute,” he said.
The governor said he had, before launching the crackdown, met leading traditional rulers in the state to warn them against pleading on behalf of anyone caught for kidnapping or cultism.
He also recounted unusual occurrences he linked to spiritual forces after his administration demolished a building belonging to a cult group.
“A black bird died in my office when I demolished their building. A vulture also died in my bed while contesting for governorship,” he said.
In his remarks, the founder of the ministry, Apostle Ehijele Umuahia, called on worshippers to back the governor and his anointed candidates at the 2027 polls. Drawing on Proverbs 29:2, he said praying for the governor was not enough without participating in elections, and urged Christians to turn out in force to vote.
Umuahia described Okpebholo as a humble man whose dedication to God long predates his governorship, noting that they had known each other for more than 15 years through the late Chief Tony Anenih.
“Whenever Chief Tony Anenih came to visit me, he was one of those who accompanied him. That was how we came to know each other,” he said, adding that the governor maintained his devotion despite a busy schedule before assuming office.
Discussion about this post