The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has declared his readiness to sign death warrants for convicted kidnappers in line with the state’s recently amended anti-kidnapping law.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting with leaders of the Arewa community at the Uromi Town Hall in Esan North East Local Government Area, Okpebholo warned criminals to desist from their activities, stressing that the state would enforce its laws without compromise.
“The new law allows us to demolish and confiscate properties used for kidnapping. We will use those lands to build offices for vigilante teams,” he stated. “We’ll expose and execute kidnappers publicly as prescribed by law. I won’t hesitate to sign the warrant.”
He added that his administration would professionalize the state’s security approach by employing and paying vigilante personnel, moving away from the former system where security volunteers were unpaid.
“We’ll train them to work with law enforcement and equip them to handle criminal elements. Security will no longer be a campaign promise—we’re acting now,” he said.
Governor Okpebholo also emphasized the need to identify and monitor migrants from other states claiming to be from the North, to prevent criminal infiltration. Plans were also revealed to enhance market security in Uromi by fencing the area, installing streetlights, and building abattoirs.
He credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support during the recent crisis in Uromi, which saw the killing of 16 local hunters.
In response, Alhaji Bawa Umar, leader of the Arewa community in Edo Central, praised the governor’s leadership and efforts to maintain peace. He reaffirmed their community’s commitment to supporting the administration.
Chairman of the Uromi Cattle Market, Alhaji Isah Muhammad, also commended the governor for his calm and effective handling of the crisis.
Meanwhile, Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, assured the public that there would be no reprisal attacks following the Uromi killings. Speaking at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) office in Benin, he highlighted the state government’s proactive steps, including Governor Okpebholo’s peace-building visit to Kano State.
Agbonika said, “The governor’s efforts, including engaging with leaders in Kano and bringing the deputy governor of Kano to Edo, helped douse tensions. We also reached out to other northern-dominated communities in places like Igara and Auchi to ensure continued peaceful coexistence.”
He concluded that with all stakeholders aligned, the situation has been successfully de-escalated and peace restored.
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