The Edo State government and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are embroiled in a blame game over insecurity in the state, with the government expressing grave concerns about the rising wave of insecurity allegedly fueled by armed thugs and criminal elements linked to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The government, in a statement on Sunday – yesterday, March 16 – signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Fred Itua, said the individuals, who were heavily armed before the 2024 Edo governorship election, have refused to surrender their weapons, posing a clear and present danger to the safety of the people of the State.
“It is on record that former Governor Godwin Obaseki, before the last election, openly threatened that ‘Nigeria would burn.’ This was not a mere political outburst—it was a premeditated declaration backed by the systematic arming of touts and thugs,” the government said in the statement by Itua.
“These individuals, many of whom were drafted into the Edo State Security Network under the previous administration, still possess over 5,000 illegal firearms, which they now use to perpetrate robbery, kidnapping, and violent attacks across the State.
“The Edo State government is aware that PDP leaders, who had direct control over these armed operatives, have refused to assist in disarming them. Instead, they continue to shield these criminals, providing them with cover as they unleash terror on innocent citizens.
“Worse still, intelligence reports indicate that PDP leaders are stockpiling additional arms, with the intention of orchestrating mayhem should their candidate, Asue Ighodalo, fail to secure victory at the Tribunal.
“The State Government is calling on all security agencies to intensify their investigations, track down these armed criminals, their sponsors and bring them to justice.
“No individual, regardless of political affiliation, is above the law, and Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, will not tolerate any attempt to destabilize the peace and security of our people.
“We urge law enforcement agencies to move swiftly and ensure that all illegally possessed firearms are recovered, and those responsible for the current state of insecurity in Edo are held accountable.
“The security and well-being of Edo people remain Governor Okpebholo’s utmost priority, and he will not allow politically sponsored violence to take root in our State.”
Reacting to the government’s allegations, Chairman of the State chapter of the PDP Caretaker Committee, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, described as “shameful and utterly disappointing” Governor Monday Okpebholo’s continued “playing the blame game with respect to his total failure in handling the primary responsibility of government, which is protecting the lives and property of the people of the State.”
“Edo has degenerated into a lawless State since he took office. The people of Edo State are under siege. In the past three weeks alone, 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 who have overrun various communities in the State. Several others have sustained various degrees of injuries, and properties worth millions of naira have been destroyed.
“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 government, has now become so unsafe, gaining a notorious reputation as the capital of kidnapping and violent crimes in the country.
“Yet, all Okpebholo can come up with as the Chief Security Officer of the State, are lame excuses, blaming the opposition for his incompetence, cluelessness, and failure to effectively manage the worsening insecurity in the State, which has continued to claim the lives of innocent citizens almost daily.
“We want to place it on record that the PDP has no involvement in the security challenges facing the State. Instead of wasting time and taxpayers’ money issuing meaningless statements and blaming the opposition for his incompetence, Okpebholo should roll up his sleeves, get to work, and fulfill the most fundamental responsibility of his office as Governor.
“He must take deliberate steps to reorganize the State’s security architecture, which was effective and efficient during the Obaseki administration, and rein in his thugs and gang of criminal enforcers who are on a free-for-all in the State so as to put an end to the reign of terror.
“If he is truly serious about governance and protecting the lives of the people of the State, he must stop the blame game and put to good use his monthly withdrawal of N750m security vote.
“Obaseki handed to him a very stable government and secure State over four months ago. It is, therefore, irresponsible for Okpebholo to still be looking backward, trying to blame Obaseki for his own incompetence, cluelessness, and failure in government.
“Again, we urge Okpebholo to humble himself and seek help from Obaseki, who has demonstrated nuanced leadership, coordination, and strategy for securing the State. We are confident that Obaseki, in his commitment to the safety and well-being of Edo people, will be willing to provide advisory support if consulted”, Aziegbemi said in a statement.
