Okpebholo Condemns Student Abductions, Demands Immediate Release Of Victims

Edo governor says kidnappings must stop and warns that political power cannot be gained through crime.

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed concern over the recent abduction of students, teachers and other citizens in different parts of the country, including Oyo State.

The governor urged those behind the abductions across the country to release their victims immediately and unconditionally.

He also declared that no political party could attain power through kidnapping, banditry, or other forms of criminality.

He called for their immediate release, maintaining that insecurity should not be allowed to derail the administration’s development agenda.

Speaking at the flag-off of the APC campaign for the Edo South Senatorial District local government elections at Urhokpota Hall in Benin City, on Tuesday, he said political ambition must never be pursued through violence, fear, or criminal acts.

“Those seeking political power should not distract President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from delivering good governance to Nigerians. Kidnapping innocent citizens will not win elections. Political power cannot be secured through criminal activities,” Okpebholo said.

The governor expressed concern over the recent abduction of students, teachers and other citizens in different parts of the country, including Oyo State, and called for their immediate release.

He maintained that insecurity should not be allowed to derail the administration’s development agenda.

Governor Okpebholo praised President Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, saying the policy had increased resources available to states for critical infrastructure and development projects.

Pledging support of Edo State for the President ahead of the 2027 general election, he said, “There is no vacancy in Aso Rock. Edo State will stand firmly behind President Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Linus Aleke, Juliet Akoje and Felix Omoh-Asun