Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has recounted what he described as strange incidents following the demolition of a building allegedly linked to a cult group, claiming that a black bird died in his office after the operation.
The governor also claimed that a vulture died on his bed during the governorship campaign, describing both incidents as unusual occurrences.
Okpebholo made the revelations during a fellowship programme organised by God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry in Benin City, where he reaffirmed his hard-line stance against kidnapping and cultism in the state.
He also vowed to sign the death warrants of four persons sentenced to death for abducting a woman at Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City, if they failed to appeal their convictions within the stipulated 30 days.
The governor identified kidnapping and cultism as major security challenges confronting his administration when he assumed office, adding that he had discussed insecurity and the State of roads with President Bola Tinubu.
Recounting the abduction incident, Okpebholo said he contacted the President, who asked whether he could handle the situation. He said he assured Tinubu that he could.
The governor claimed he subsequently prayed for the suspects to be arrested within 24 hours before contacting the Commissioner of Police to demand their immediate apprehension.
“I told CP I wanted these guys arrested because I already have an approval from God, and they were caught within that time,” he said.
On the death sentences imposed on the convicts, Okpebholo expressed hope that they would not appeal the judgment, warning that he would proceed with the execution of the warrants if they failed to challenge the ruling within the prescribed period.
“They are already sentenced to death, and I pray they don’t appeal the judgment. Even when they appeal the judgment, they are only delaying time. If within 30 days, they don’t appeal, I will execute,” he said.
The Edo State Special Criminal Court reportedly sentenced the four defendants to death on September 29, 2026, for abducting a woman at Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City.
Watch Video:
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo recounts an unusual experience, claiming that a vulture died in his bed after he won the governorship election. He also alleged that a bird died in his office after he ordered the demolition of the Black House in Sapele. https://t.co/D2dcFTqCTB
