FIC Report (Edo State) – The Edo State Government has raised alarm over a surge in violent crimes, particularly kidnappings, alleging that leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are behind the rising insecurity in the state.
In a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, the government called on the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to investigate PDP leaders over their alleged role in funding criminal activities aimed at destabilizing the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The statement highlighted intelligence reports suggesting that the recent wave of abductions and targeted attacks is not merely the work of random criminals but a coordinated effort by opposition figures to undermine governance.
The government further alleged that the insecurity crisis is a legacy of the previous administration under former Governor Godwin Obaseki, claiming that the PDP-led government armed non-state actors during the 2024 governorship election. The failure to retrieve these weapons, the statement argued, has fueled the current security challenges.
Additionally, the Edo State Government accused PDP leaders of spreading misinformation to discredit Governor Okpebholo’s security initiatives while covertly supporting criminal elements.
The government emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice, insisting that no political group should be allowed to use insecurity as a tool for political sabotage.
Governor Okpebholo’s administration reaffirmed its commitment to tackling insecurity through strategic policies and collaboration with security agencies. The government also urged Edo residents to remain vigilant and reject what it described as false narratives being peddled by the opposition.
“The security and stability of Edo State must come before partisan interests,” the statement concluded.
Signed
Omoluogbe Ruth
FIC Benin city
March 11, 2025
