Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has warned residents against recruiting criminals from outside the state to carry out kidnappings and other violent crimes, describing the trend as a major setback to ongoing efforts to improve security.
The governor issued the warning on Wednesday while speaking at the 2026 Ministers’ Conference organised by the Edo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Benin City.
Okpebholo expressed concern over the security situation in the state, alleging that some individuals were deliberately exaggerating incidents of crime and spreading false information on social media to discredit his administration.
According to him, investigations by security agencies have uncovered the involvement of local collaborators who allegedly recruit armed gangs from outside Edo State to perpetrate kidnappings and other criminal activities.
“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 lamented what he described as the increasing role of local accomplices in criminal operations, noting that some individuals suddenly acquire wealth and expensive assets without any identifiable source of income.
“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 also cautioned religious leaders against intervening on behalf of persons arrested for criminal offences, stressing that his administration would not tolerate attempts to obstruct justice.
“Pastors, if you hear that I have arrested somebody, don’t come to beg me,” he said.
While acknowledging the existence of security challenges in the state, Okpebholo maintained that the situation was being overstated by political opponents seeking to undermine 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 stated.
He assured residents that security agencies were working tirelessly to combat criminality and prevent armed groups from establishing operational bases in Edo State.
The governor also called on religious leaders and residents to pray for President Bola Tinubu, arguing that the removal of fuel subsidy, despite the initial hardship, had opened opportunities for development across the country, including Edo State.
In her remarks, Pastor Margaret Agbonifo commended the governor for his commitment to faith and public service, praying for a successful tenure and improved development in the state.
Similarly, the Vice Chairman of CAN in Edo State, Rev. Alfred Agbonlahor, praised the governor for the ongoing rehabilitation of the Benin-Sapele Road.
Edo State has recorded several cases of kidnapping and other security challenges in recent years, particularly along major highways and in rural communities. In response, the state government has continued to strengthen collaboration with security agencies, vigilante groups and community leaders to tackle criminal activities.
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