By Rosemary Okoduwa
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to ridding the state of criminal elements, warning that kidnappers, cultists and other violent offenders will face the full weight of the law.
The governor gave the warning on Thursday during the parade of suspected criminals at the Edo State Police Command Headquarters in Benin City, where he commended police operatives for their swift response to the kidnapping incident that occurred at the Vegetable Market on Sunday.
Governor Okpebholo disclosed that immediately after receiving reports of the incident, he directed the Commissioner of Police to ensure that those responsible were apprehended without delay. He noted that the operation led to the arrest of one suspect, while another was neutralised during an exchange with security operatives. Two other suspects linked to the crime are currently being tracked.
The governor revealed plans by his administration to establish a special court dedicated to the speedy prosecution of kidnapping and cultism cases, stressing that criminals would no longer find Edo State a safe haven.
According to him, the government remains determined to ensure that anyone involved in criminal activities is arrested, prosecuted and made to face the consequences of their actions. He expressed confidence in the security architecture of the country, stating that the support being provided to security agencies by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is yielding positive results across the nation.
He urged residents, particularly the youth, to shun criminal activities and embrace legitimate means of livelihood, emphasizing that crime ultimately leads to regret and destruction.
In recognition of the professionalism and bravery displayed by the police officers involved in the operation, Governor Okpebholo presented a cash reward of N10 million to the team responsible for the arrest of the kidnap suspect.
Speaking during the event, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Monday Agbonika, said investigations into the kidnapping case were ongoing and assured residents that efforts were being intensified to apprehend the remaining members of the gang. He disclosed that items recovered from the arrested suspect included a red Lexus RX 350 vehicle with registration number EKP 848 AE, a pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, a motorcycle and the sum of N2.250 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities.
The Commissioner of Police expressed appreciation to Governor Okpebholo for his unwavering support to security agencies in the state and also commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for his leadership and guidance, he appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, assuring them of the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Edo State.
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