By Emeka Amaefula
OKPEBHOLO VOWS TOUGH ACTION AGAINST CRIMINALS, REWARDS POLICE OFFICERS OVER VEGETABLE MARKET KIDNAP ARREST
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has issued a strong warning to criminals operating across the state, declaring that those found guilty of serious crimes will face the full weight of the law, including the possibility of signing death warrants in accordance with legal procedures.
According to a press statement issued by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, dated Thursday, June 18, 2026, from the Office of the Governor, Edo State, the governor made the declaration during the parade of suspects at the Edo State Police Command headquarters in Benin City.
The governor also rewarded police operatives involved in the arrest of a suspect linked to the recent kidnapping incident at the Vegetable Market in Edo State.
“We are going to set up a special court to prosecute kidnappers and cultists. Within two weeks, the court is done with proceedings. I will sign your execution. We will take you to Ring Road roundabout so that Edo people can watch. I will have no regret about it. Don’t take my simplicity for granted,” Governor Okpebholo said.
He said his administration responded immediately after the kidnapping incident by directing the Commissioner of Police to ensure that those responsible were apprehended.
According to the governor, one suspect was arrested, another was neutralised during the operation, while two others are still at large.
“They will never find peace in Edo. The message to all criminals is that they will not go free after committing crime in this state. You will be arrested. We are ready for you and your sponsors. We are working day and night to make sure this land is safe,” he said.
Governor Okpebholo also defended the security efforts of the Federal Government, stating that the support being provided to security agencies by President Bola Tinubu’s administration was contributing to improved results.
“I wonder why people keep complaining that the president is not working. The president is funding the security operatives to function well. That is why we are happy about the results we are getting today,” he said.
The governor urged Edo residents to stay away from criminal activities, advising youths and residents to pursue legitimate means of livelihood rather than engaging in acts that could endanger their future.
As part of his appreciation for their efforts, Governor Okpebholo presented N10 million to the police operatives who successfully apprehended the kidnap suspect.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Monday Agbonika, confirmed that investigations are ongoing and assured that efforts are being intensified to arrest the remaining members of the criminal gang.
Items recovered from the arrested suspect include a red Lexus RX 350 vehicle with registration number EKP 848 AE, a pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, a motorcycle, and cash amounting to N2.25 million suspected to be proceeds of crime.
Agbonika expressed appreciation to Governor Okpebholo for his continued support to the police command and commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for his guidance.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the command to protecting lives and property across Edo State, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies.
— Emeka Amaefula —
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