Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has vowed to take a tougher stance against kidnapping and cult-related crimes, warning that convicted offenders could face public execution if found guilty under the law.
The governor made the remarks while addressing journalists during the parade of suspected kidnappers arrested by the Edo State Police Command. He disclosed that his administration is working to establish a special court dedicated to the speedy trial of kidnapping and cultism cases.
According to Okpebholo, the proposed court would help accelerate the prosecution of offenders and serve as part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity across the state.
“We are not joking. We are working day and night to ensure that this land is safe,” the governor said.
He warned residents against involvement in cultism and kidnapping, stating that those convicted could face severe consequences.
“Now, we are going to set up a special court to try kidnappers and cultists. Within two to three weeks, we would be done with it. And I will sign it. For your execution and hanging, I will take you to the Ring Road roundabout, so that the whole Edo people will see you,” he said.
Okpebholo made the comments while recounting a recent kidnapping incident that allegedly occurred at a market in Benin City. According to him, he immediately contacted the state Commissioner of Police and directed security agencies to apprehend those responsible.
The governor explained that the police commissioner, who was reportedly in Abuja at the time, returned to Edo State to coordinate an operation that led to the arrest of several suspects.
“Something very terrible happened on Sunday and I called the Commissioner of Police. And I told him that whoever committed that crime of kidnapping inside Benin City must be arrested,” he said.
“The commissioner actually was in Abuja, but he came back to Benin City immediately. Before you know it, those guys have been caught. You can see the money and other things recovered from them.”
He added that one suspect was killed during an exchange of gunfire, while two others remained at large.
The governor also commended the Nigeria Police Force, the military, and the Department of State Services (DSS) for their efforts in combating insecurity, saying recent arrests demonstrate the commitment of security agencies to restoring safety in the state.
“You can see what is happening, that the police, army and DSS are working. The president is putting them to work and that is why we are getting the results today,” he said.
Okpebholo further warned individuals involved in kidnapping, as well as those providing support to criminal networks, to abandon such activities or face the full weight of the law.
“For me, my message to them is this: whoever has such mind to kidnap, know that you cannot do it and go scot-free. No crime that will be committed in Edo State that such a person would not be arrested,” he stated.
Kidnapping for ransom remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing security challenges, with criminal gangs operating across several states and targeting travellers, students, farmers, and residents for abduction. Authorities have continued to intensify efforts to curb the menace through security operations and criminal prosecutions.
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