Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has vowed that anyone convicted of kidnapping in the state will face public execution by hanging at designated roundabouts, as part of sweeping measures to deter violent crime.
The governor also announced plans to establish a special court dedicated to the speedy trial of kidnapping and cultism cases, with a target of concluding trials and securing convictions within weeks.
Okpebholo made the declaration on Thursday while addressing journalists and security operatives during the parade of suspected kidnappers and other criminal suspects at the Edo State Police Command Headquarters in Benin City.
In a video shared on his X handle, the governor insisted that his administration would take a hardline approach against criminal elements operating in the state.
“Now we are going to set a special court to try suspected kidnappers and cultists and decided within two, three weeks we are done with it, and I will sign it. The execution — hang him. I will take you to the roundabout so that the whole Edo people will see you, and this I will not have any regrets about,” Okpebholo said.
He warned criminals not to misinterpret his calm disposition as weakness.
“Please don’t take my simplicity for granted,” he added.
The governor’s remarks come amid intensified security operations targeting kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery and other violent crimes across Edo State.
Speaking on a recent kidnapping incident at the Vegetable Market in Benin City, Okpebholo said he had directed security agencies to track down the perpetrators.
He disclosed that one suspect had been arrested while another was killed during a security operation.
“Following the kidnapping incident at the Vegetable Market in Benin City, I directed security agencies to go after the perpetrators. I am pleased that one suspect has been arrested, another was neutralised during the operation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the gang,” he said.
The governor reiterated that his administration would not provide refuge for criminals.
“Look at the number of kidnappers that have been arrested. They will never find peace in Edo State. They will not settle here.
“For me, my message to them is simple: whoever has such a mind to kidnap should know that you cannot do it and go free. There is no crime that will be committed in Edo State and such a person will not be arrested.
“Whoever is supporting you or aiding you to do it should stop because we are ready for you. We are not joking. We are not sleeping. Day and night, security agencies are working to make sure that this land is safe,” he added.
Okpebholo also cautioned young people against involvement in cultism and kidnapping, warning that such choices often end in death, imprisonment, and loss of property.
“I want to appeal to our people to stay away from cultism and kidnapping because it will take you nowhere. When you kidnap, what you have you will lose, and at the same time you will lose your life,” he warned.
He commended security operatives involved in recent arrests and assured continued government support for agencies combating crime across the state.
The governor further called on residents to support security efforts by providing credible intelligence, stressing that community cooperation remains essential in defeating criminal networks in Edo State.
