The Edo State Government has raised the alarm over the rising wave of insecurity in the state, accusing the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of sponsoring armed thugs and criminal elements who are in possession of over 5,000 illegal firearms.
The was contained in a press release signed by Chief Press Secretary to government, Fred Itua.
The overnment expressed grave concern over the refusal of these armed individuals, allegedly linked to the PDP, to surrender their weapons. These thugs, who were reportedly armed ahead of the 2024 Edo Governorship Election, continue to pose a significant threat to the safety and security of citizens.
The statement explained that former Governor Godwin Obaseki, during his tenure, had openly threatened that “Nigeria would burn,” a statement the current administration describes as a premeditated declaration backed by the systematic arming of touts and thugs.
Many of these individuals were allegedly drafted into the Edo State Security Network under the previous administration and still possess illegal firearms, which they now use to carry out robberies, kidnappings, and violent attacks across the state.
The Edo State Government accused PDP leaders of refusing to assist in disarming these thugs, instead providing them with cover as they unleash terror on innocent citizens. The government further alleged that intelligence reports indicate PDP leaders are stockpiling additional arms, with the intention of causing chaos should their candidate, Asue Ighodalo, fail to secure victory at the ongoing Election Tribunal.
Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration has called on all security agencies to intensify investigations, track down the armed criminals and their sponsors, and bring them to justice. The government emphasized that no individual, regardless of political affiliation, is above the law, and vowed not to tolerate any attempt to destabilize the peace and security of Edo State.
“The security and well-being of Edo people remain Governor Okpebholo’s utmost priority, and he will not allow politically sponsored violence to take root in our State,” the statement read.
The government urged law enforcement agencies to act swiftly to recover all illegally possessed firearms and hold those responsible for the current state of insecurity accountable.
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