By Ogochukwu Isioma
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has vowed to take a hard stance against kidnapping and cultism in the state.
The governor made the declaration on Thursday at the Edo State Police Headquarters in Benin City while suspected kidnappers linked to the recent Vegetable Market abduction and alleged cult members were being paraded by security operatives.
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“I will set up a special court to try cultists and kidnappers within two or three weeks, and if they are found guilty, I will have no regret signing their death warrants,” Okpebholo said.
“They will be executed at Ring Road for others to learn a lesson. Don’t take my simplicity for granted.”
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to combating insecurity and warned criminal elements to steer clear of Edo State.
His remarks came hours after security operatives reportedly arrested suspects connected to the kidnapping incident at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City.
Edo State recently amended its anti-kidnapping law to prescribe the death penalty for convicted kidnappers. Governor Okpebholo has repeatedly maintained that he is prepared to sign the death warrants of persons convicted under the law.
This latest warning underscores the state government’s intensified efforts to curb kidnapping, cult-related violence, and other criminal activities across Edo State.
