By Femi Anamelechi
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has lamented the rising wave of insecurity in Edo State and has called for the immediate arrest of PDP Thugs and touts allegedly In possession of over 5,000 Illegal Arms In Edo State The Edo State Government is gravely concerned about the rising wave of insecurity fuelled by armed thugs and criminal elements associated with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). According to a Press release from the governor who pointed out that the unscrupulous PDP sponsored thugs have become a menace to security in Edo State.
“These individuals, who were heavily armed before the 2024 Edo Governorship Election, have refused to surrender their weapons, posing a clear and present danger to the safety of our citizens”.It is on record that former Governor Godwin Obaseki, before the last election, openly threatened that “Nigeria would burn.” Okpebholo stated that this was not a mere political outburst “it was a premeditated declaration backed by the systematic arming of touts and thugs”. The governor pointed out that these individuals, many of whom were drafted into the Edo State Security Network under the previous administration, still possess over 5,000 illegal firearms, which they now use to perpetrate robbery, kidnapping, and violent attacks across the State.The Edo State Government is aware that PDP leaders, who had direct control over these armed operatives, have refused to assist in disarming them. Instead, they continue to shield these criminals, providing them with cover as they unleash terror on innocent citizens.
He condemned the PDP candidate at the last gubernatorial election in Edo State for his role. In the rising insecurity and threats to peaceful co-existence in Edo state Monday Okpebholo disclosed intelligence reports indicate that PDP leaders are stockpiling additional arms, with the intention of orchestrating mayhem should their candidate, Asue Ighodalo, fail to secure victory at the Tribunal ” he said The State Government is calling on all security agencies to intensify their investigations, track down these armed criminals, their sponsors and bring them to justice. He warned that no individual, regardless of political affiliation, is above the law, and Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, will not tolerate any attempt to destabilize the peace and security of Edo State. We urge law enforcement agencies to move swiftly and ensure that all illegally possessed firearms are recovered, and those responsible for the current state of insecurity in Edo are held accountable. The security and well-being of Edo people remains the administrations utmost priority, and we will not allow politically sponsored violence to take root in our State. He said.
