Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday, warned residents against recruiting criminals from outside the state to perpetrate kidnappings and other violent crimes, saying such actions were undermining efforts to improve security.
Okpebholo issued the warning while addressing participants at the 2026 Ministers’ Conference organised by the Edo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Benin City.
He said insecurity remained a concern in the state but alleged that some individuals were deliberately exaggerating incidents and spreading false information on social media to tarnish the image of his administration.
According to him, investigations by security agencies have revealed that some criminal activities in the state are being facilitated by local collaborators who recruit armed gangs from outside Edo to carry out kidnappings and other crimes.
“Do you know one painful thing? Our people are now going outside Edo to recruit criminals to help them do the job. They will kidnap somebody and hand the victim over to them in the bush,” the governor said.
He expressed concern over what he described as the growing involvement of local accomplices in criminal operations, noting that some individuals suddenly acquire wealth without any visible means of livelihood.
“Tomorrow you will see them driving expensive cars and building houses. How are they getting these things? They will tell you they are Yahoo boys,” he added.
The governor urged religious leaders not to interfere in the prosecution of persons arrested for criminal offences, insisting that his administration would not tolerate any attempt to shield suspects from justice.
“Pastors, if you hear that I have arrested somebody, don’t come to beg me,” he said.
Okpebholo acknowledged that Edo was not entirely free of security challenges but maintained that the situation was being overstated by political opponents seeking to discredit his government.
“All of this is just to bring this government down, to give it a bad name. It is not that we are free, but not in the way they are hyping it,” he said.
He assured residents that security agencies were working around the clock to tackle criminality and prevent armed groups from establishing a foothold in the state.
The governor also called for prayers for President Bola Tinubu, arguing that the removal of fuel subsidy, despite its immediate hardship, had created opportunities for development across the country, including Edo State.
In her remarks, Pastor Margaret Agbonifo commended the governor for what she described as his commitment to faith and public service, praying that he would complete his tenure successfully and leave the state better than he met it.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of CAN in Edo State, Rev. Alfred Agbonlahor, praised the governor for ongoing rehabilitation works on the Benin-Sapele Road.
Edo State has witnessed a series of kidnapping incidents and security challenges in recent years, particularly along major highways and rural communities.
In response, the state government has strengthened collaboration with security agencies, vigilante groups and community leaders to curb criminal activities.
