Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has alleged that criminal networks operating in the state are being reinforced with recruits from other parts of the country, while local collaborators arrange kidnap-for-ransom operations and hand victims over to hired gangs in the bush.

Speaking on Wednesday at the 2026 Ministers’ Conference organised by the Edo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Benin City, Okpebholo said insecurity remained a genuine concern.

The governor cited a recent report of an incident along Sapele Road that prompted him to deploy security operatives, only to discover “nothing had happened”.

“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,” Okpebholo said.

“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.

Okpebholo urged religious leaders not to intercede for anyone arrested in connection with criminal activity.

“Pastors, if you hear that I have arrested somebody, don’t come to beg me,” he told the congregation.

While acknowledging that Edo was “not entirely free of security challenges”, the governor insisted the situation was being exaggerated by those with political motives.

“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 operatives were working round the clock to prevent criminals from establishing a foothold in the state.

The governor also requested a special prayer for President Bola Tinubu, saying the President’s removal of the fuel subsidy, though painful, was responsible for the development now visible across Edo State.

Some of the clergymen in their remarks commended the governor for his commitment to faith and public service and prayed that he would complete his tenure strong and leave Edo better than he met it.

They also praised him for the ongoing rehabilitation of the Benin-Sapele Road. (Channels TV)

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