Edo Governor Raises Crime Recruitment Concerns

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has alleged that some individuals travel outside the state to recruit criminals who later carry out kidnapping, armed robbery and other offences within Edo.

Speaking at the 2026 Ministers’ Conference organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Benin City, the governor addressed concerns about Edo State insecurity and claimed that certain reports circulating online are either inaccurate or overstated.

According to Okpebholo, a recent incident along Sapele Road highlighted the problem. He explained that after receiving information about a security threat, he immediately instructed security agencies to act. However, investigations later revealed that the report was false.

While acknowledging that security challenges remain a genuine concern, the governor argued that misleading reports and false alarms often worsen public anxiety. He also claimed that some of these reports are intended to damage the image of his administration and create a negative perception of the government’s efforts.

Commenting on crime and suspicious wealth, Okpebholo said: “Tomorrow you will see them driving expensive cars, building houses, how are they getting these things, they will tell you they are Yahoo Boys. They are these, they are that, if you hear that we have arrested somebody, don’t come to beg me.”

He further stated: “Some reports on insecurity are just to bring this government down, to give this government a bad name but it’s not that there is no insecurity, the false alarms are another issue in this country.”

The governor also disclosed that volunteers have been deployed across forest areas as part of measures to prevent criminal groups from establishing bases within the state. He said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen security and tackle criminal activity across Edo.

Do you think community-based security measures can significantly reduce crime and improve safety in Edo State?