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Calls for arrest of suspects
The Edo State government has accused leaders of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of sponsoring kidnappings and violent crimes in an attempt to destabilise Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration.
In a statement on Tuesday, the governor’s chief press secretary, Fred Itua, claimed intelligence reports linked PDP leaders to recent incidents of insecurity across the state.
He dismissed the opposition’s concerns over rising insecurity as “crocodile tears,” accusing them of orchestrating unrest while feigning concern for public safety.
“The sudden concern expressed by PDP leaders is nothing but a smokescreen to divert attention from their own complicity,” he said.
“These are the same individuals who, during the 2024 governorship election, armed non-state actors with dangerous weapons, many of which were never recovered. Today, those weapons are in the hands of criminals terrorising innocent Edo citizens.”
Mr Itua alleged that the PDP’s strategy was to create fear, spread misinformation, and undermine the governor’s leadership.
“Their goal is clear—destabilise the state, weaken public confidence in Governor Okpebholo’s administration, and push a false narrative of failure. But Edo people can see through these antics,” he added.
The Edo government called on security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, to investigate the alleged involvement of PDP leaders in the state’s security challenges.
“No individual or political group should be allowed to hold the state hostage for political gain. Those found culpable must face the full wrath of the law,” the statement said.
Governor Okpebholo’s administration reaffirmed its commitment to tackling insecurity and urged residents to remain vigilant.
“Insecurity thrives when its perpetrators believe they are untouchable. It is time for security agencies to prove them wrong,” Mr Itua said.
