The governor spoke on Thursday at the headquarters of the Edo State Police Command in Benin City during the parade of suspects, including an individual arrested in connection with the kidnapping incident that occurred at the Vegetable Market on Sunday.
Addressing the suspects, Okpebholo announced plans to establish a special court dedicated to the speedy trial of kidnappers and cultists.
“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 the Ring Road roundabout so that Edo people can watch. I will have no regret about it. Don’t take my simplicity for granted,” the governor said.
He explained that following reports of the kidnapping, he immediately instructed security agencies to go after those responsible. According to him, one suspect was arrested during the operation, another was neutralised, while two others are still being pursued by law enforcement authorities.
The governor assured residents that the state government would continue to intensify efforts to rid Edo of criminal elements and their sponsors.
“They will never find peace in Edo. The message to all criminals is that they will not go free after committing a 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.
Okpebholo also defended the federal government’s security efforts, stating that the support being provided to security agencies by President Bola Tinubu’s administration is yielding positive results across the country.
“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,” Okpebholo said.
He urged residents to avoid involvement in criminal activities, stressing that living within one’s legitimate means is far better than risking imprisonment or death through crime.
In recognition of the officers involved in the arrest of the suspected kidnapper, the governor presented a cash reward of ₦10 million to the police team.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, said investigations into the case are continuing and assured that efforts are underway to apprehend other members of the gang still at large.
The police commissioner disclosed that exhibits recovered from the suspect include a red Lexus RX 350 with registration number EKP 848 AE, a pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, a motorcycle and ₦2.25 million in cash believed to be proceeds from criminal activities.
Agbonika thanked Governor Okpebholo for his support to the command and also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for his leadership and guidance.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property and called on members of the public to continue providing useful and timely information that could aid security operations across the state.