Edo, PDP clash over claims of rising kidnappings, violence
The Edo State Peoples Democratic Party Caretaker Committee and the state government are at odds over claims that Edo has become the “capital of kidnapping and violent crimes” in Nigeria.
In a statement on Monday, PDP Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, alleged that the state has turned into a haven for criminals despite receiving N750 million monthly in security allocations.
“Edo State is now a haven for kidnappers and other criminal gangs, who operate with impunity, taking advantage of the deteriorating security situation, as residents and business owners continue to live in constant fear,” Nehikhare said.
Nehikhare cited the recent 12-day abduction of Afenifere Youth Council National President, Prince Eniola Olajuni, in Ibilo, Akoko-Edo LGA, as proof that criminals are emboldened.
He further claimed that at least 22 people have been killed in recent weeks, including Batemue Philip Ebo, Christopher Bello, and Victor Ogedengbe, while properties worth millions have been destroyed.
Blaming the state governor, Monday Okpebholo, Nehikhare accused him of prioritizing “godfathers and thugs” over security, crippling the state’s vigilante network, and leaving Edo in “a state of total collapse.”
“Despite receiving N750 million monthly in security votes—nearly double what was available to the previous administration—Senator Okpebholo has left Edo in paralysis,” he added.
In response, Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Okpebholo, dismissed the PDP’s claims as “reckless, misleading, and baseless.”
“Edo State is not, and will never be, the so-called ‘capital of kidnapping and violent crimes’ as Nehikhare maliciously claims. This is a dishonest fabrication from a party whose time in power was marked by gross incompetence and outright surrender to criminals,” Itua said.
He reminded the PDP that under its leadership, cult violence left over 100 people dead, while the state’s PDP chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, was kidnapped in the heart of Benin.
“Governor Okpebholo’s security vote is being prudently utilized for the protection of lives and property, not squandered like in the past,” Itua stated, listing key measures taken, including deployment of special tactical teams, crackdown on cultism, procurement of security equipment, 1,000 high-performance motorcycles for patrols and mop-up of illegal arms
According to Itua, security in Edo is improving, and “reckless propaganda” will not deter investors.
“Edo is open for business, security is improving, and the government is fully committed to creating a safe and prosperous environment for all,” he added.
