Governor Okpebholo Condemns Kidnappings, Demands Immediate Release of Victims

BENIN CITY, Nigeria — June 9, 2026

Kingsley Ohens reporting

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has strongly condemned the recent wave of kidnappings across Nigeria, calling on perpetrators to release all abducted victims immediately and unconditionally.

The governor also declared that no political party or political actor can attain power through criminal activities such as kidnapping, banditry, or acts of violence, stressing that democratic leadership must be pursued through lawful and peaceful means.

Speaking on Tuesday during the official flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for the Edo South Senatorial District Local Government Elections at Urhokpota Hall in Benin City, Governor Okpebholo expressed concern over the growing insecurity affecting various parts of the country.

He warned against attempts to use insecurity as a political weapon to destabilize governance and undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.

According to the governor, individuals seeking political office should focus on presenting credible alternatives to voters rather than resorting to violence and criminality.

“Those seeking political power should not distract President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from delivering good governance to Nigerians. Kidnapping innocent citizens will not win elections. Political power cannot be secured through criminal activities,” Okpebholo stated.

The governor specifically referenced the recent abductions involving students, teachers, and other citizens in different parts of the country, including Oyo State, urging the captors to release their victims without delay. He maintained that security challenges must not be allowed to derail the nation’s development efforts.

Governor Okpebholo also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, which he said has significantly improved the financial capacity of state governments to undertake critical infrastructure and developmental projects.

He reaffirmed Edo State’s support for President Tinubu’s administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock. Edo State will stand firmly behind President Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda,” the governor declared.

Highlighting his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and political inclusion, Okpebholo announced that the APC had fielded a new generation of youthful and energetic candidates for the forthcoming local government elections.

He noted that the party’s strategy reflects a deliberate effort to create opportunities for young people to participate actively in governance and leadership at the grassroots level.

“We are changing the face of politics in Edo State by giving young and capable people the opportunity to lead at the grassroots level. The future belongs to our youths, and we are creating pathways for them to contribute meaningfully to governance,” he said.

Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa commended Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to nurturing young leaders, noting that the administration has consistently promoted youth participation in governance through strategic appointments and leadership opportunities.

A major highlight of the event was the official unveiling of the APC candidates for Edo South Senatorial District by the governor. Among those presented were Engr. Ogbeide Ihama for the Senatorial District, Dr. Paddy Iyamu for Oredo Federal Constituency, and Barr. Omorede Igbinedion for Ovia Federal Constituency, alongside other party candidates.

The details of the governor’s remarks and activities at the campaign flag-off were contained in a statement issued by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday.

The event attracted party leaders, government officials, supporters, and stakeholders from across Edo South, marking the commencement of the APC’s grassroots campaign ahead of the local government elections.