Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has raised alarm over what he described as a disturbing trend in which some residents of the state are recruiting criminals from other parts of the country to perpetrate kidnappings and other violent crimes .
The governor made the allegation on Wednesday while addressing participants at the 2026 Ministers’ Conference organised by the Edo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Benin City .
According to Okpebholo, investigations by security agencies have revealed that local collaborators are arranging kidnap-for-ransom operations and handing over victims to hired gangs in the bush .
“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,” the governor said .
He expressed concern over the sudden acquisition of wealth by some individuals without any visible means of livelihood, suggesting a link to criminal activities .
“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 .
Governor Warns Pastors Against Interference
Okpebholo also cautioned religious leaders against interceding on behalf of anyone arrested in connection with criminal activity, saying such interventions would not be entertained .
“Pastors, if you hear that I have arrested somebody, don’t come to beg me,” he told the congregation .
Social Media Reports Exaggerated, Governor Says
While acknowledging that Edo was not entirely free of security challenges, the governor insisted that the situation was being overstated by political opponents seeking to discredit his administration .
“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 said .
He cited a recent example in which he received a report of an incident along Sapele Road and immediately deployed security operatives to the area, only to discover that nothing had happened .
The governor assured residents that security operatives were working round the clock to prevent criminals from establishing a foothold in the state .
Okpebholo Seeks Prayers for Tinubu
The governor also requested a special prayer for President Bola Tinubu from the congregation, arguing that the removal of fuel subsidy, despite its immediate hardship, was responsible for the development now visible across Edo State .
In her remarks, Pastor Margaret Agbonifo commended the governor for his commitment to faith and public service, praying that he would complete his tenure strong and leave Edo better than he met it .
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of CAN in Edo, Rev. Alfred Agbonlahor, praised the governor for the ongoing rehabilitation of the Benin-Sapele Road .
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