The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has urged the state governor, Monday Okpebholo-led All Progressives Congress, APC, government, to wake up to its responsibility in tackling the spate of insecurity, alleging that about 35 innocent residents have been killed in the past two weeks.
Alexa News Nigeria reports that the state acting caretaker committee chairman of the party, Anthony Aziegbemi, made the call at a press conference on Monday in Benin City.
The press conference was titled “Edo PDP State-of-the-State Address.”
Aziegbemi opined that the former governor of the state and now a senator representing Edo North senatorial district, Adams Oshiomhole, had, during plenary at the National Assembly, decried and lamented the worsening insecurity in the state.
While positing that the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property of citizens, he, however, noted that the Okpebholo-led government has woefully failed the citizens and residents.
The state PDP chairman alleged that in the past two weeks, no fewer than 35 innocent Edo residents have been brutally killed, including Batemue Philip Ebo, Christopher Bello, and Victor Ogedengbe—a Catholic priest, a seminarian, and a vigilante commander in Owan East Local Government Area, respectively.
He alleged that the victims’ lives were tragically cut short by militant groups and killer herdsmen, while several others sustained various degrees of injuries, and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed.
According to him, “The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property of citizens, and in this regard, we can categorically say that the Okpebholo-led government has failed woefully.
“In the past two weeks, at least 35 innocent Edo citizens have been brutally killed, including Batemue Philip Ebo, Christopher Bello, and Victor Ogedengbe, whose lives were tragically cut short by militant groups and killer herdsmen. Several others have sustained various degrees of injuries, and properties worth millions of naira have been destroyed.
“The people of Edo State are under siege. This was even acknowledged by Okpebholo’s political ally, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, during his public outcry on the floor of the Senate in Abuja, where he lamented the worsening insecurity in Edo State under Okpebholo’s watch.
“From Edo South to Edo Central to Edo North, killings and violent attacks have become rampant. The state, which was repositioned as one of Nigeria’s safest places to live and do business during the Godwin Obaseki-led administration, has now become so unsafe, gaining a notorious reputation as the capital of kidnapping and violent crimes. Kidnappers and other criminals now see it as a safe haven—the weakest link in the country’s security framework.
“Meanwhile, the supposed Chief Security Officer of the state stands dazed, overwhelmed, clueless, and utterly incapable of managing the worsening insecurity that has continued to claim the lives of innocent residents almost daily,” he alleged.
Aziegbemi, however, asked the state governor to explain what happened to the elaborate surveillance system with cameras and screens, the command and control center, and other security measures put in place by the immediate past government of Godwin Obaseki.
“Why did Okpebholo disarm all the sectors of the Edo State Security Network after dislodging its leadership?
“Where are all the world-class, secure communication devices handed to all sector commanders across the state?
“Lastly, how many Security Council meetings has Okpebholo held since he was sworn into office, and what was the quality of these meetings, if there were any?” he queried.
Reacting, Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, said the administration, in ensuring its commitment to the safety of all residents, has taken decisive steps to enhance security across the state.
Itua, in a statement titled “Edo State’s Security and Governance: Separating Facts from Fiction,” described the recent claims that the state is “under siege” and that “lawlessness is now the order of the day” as exaggerated and misleading.
He stated that no society is entirely free from security challenges, noting that it was important to distinguish between genuine concerns and politically motivated narratives.
“Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration remains focused on fostering a safe and conducive environment for businesses and residents alike. With continued commitment to security, economic development, and accountability, Edo State is on the path to lasting progress.
“Key initiatives include the reorganization of the Edo Security Network, improved collaboration with law enforcement agencies, and increased investment in modern security infrastructure. These measures are already yielding positive results, as security personnel are better equipped to tackle emerging threats and ensure peace in Edo communities.
“It is also worth noting that Edo State has made significant progress in curbing insecurity. The current administration has procured modern security equipment, deployed personnel to identify hotspots, and established a rapid response mechanism to address security concerns swiftly.
“These proactive measures contrast sharply with the past, when crime rates, including kidnappings and cult-related violence, were at alarming levels.
“Governor Okpebholo welcomes constructive criticism and values diverse perspectives on governance. However, public discourse should be grounded in facts rather than politically driven misinformation.
“Edo residents can see the tangible improvements taking place, and efforts to discredit the progress made will not alter the reality of a state moving towards greater security, economic stability, and improved governance.”
