Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has issued a stern warning to kidnappers and cultists operating in the state, declaring that his administration will not hesitate to sign the death warrants of anyone convicted of the crimes.
The governor made the declaration at the Edo State Police Command Headquarters on Thursday in Benin City during the parade of suspects recently arrested in connection with the notorious kidnapping incident at the popular Vegetable Market along Airport Road.
In a strong message to criminal elements, Okpebholo announced plans to establish a special court within the next two to three weeks to fast-track the prosecution of cultists and kidnappers.
“I will set up a special court to try cultists and kidnappers within two or three weeks and if found guilty, I would have no regret signing their warrants,” the governor said.
He warned that convicted offenders would face the full weight of the law, stressing that his administration was determined to restore peace and security across the state.
“Don’t take my simplicity for granted,” he added.
The governor commended the Edo State Police Command for tracking down and arresting members of the gang allegedly responsible for the high-profile abduction that recently sparked outrage among residents.
The planned special court, according to him, is aimed at eliminating unnecessary delays in the judicial process and ensuring swift justice for victims of violent crimes.
Speaking at the briefing, the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, confirmed that the woman kidnapped last Sunday evening at the Vegetable Market off Airport Road had been rescued unharmed.
The police boss disclosed that the victim was freed during coordinated security operations and that the ransom paid to secure her release had also been recovered.
Agbonika reiterated the command’s commitment to combating kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes, assuring residents that security agencies would continue to intensify efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.
The latest arrests and the governor’s tough stance are seen as part of the Edo State Government’s renewed offensive against rising cases of kidnapping and cult-related violence across the state.
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