By: PATRICK OCHOGA
There comes a defining moment in the life of every society when leadership must rise above rhetoric and confront evil with courage, conviction, and decisive action.
In Edo State, that moment has arrived under the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo, whose determination to rid the state of kidnappers, cultists, and other criminal elements is gradually restoring confidence in the security architecture of the state.
Like a gathering storm against the forces of darkness, Governor Okpebholo’s anti-crime campaign has continued to gather momentum, sending a strong and unmistakable message across Edo State, where criminality will no longer be tolerated.
For kidnappers, cultists, and their collaborators, the fear of Governor Monday Okpebholo is rapidly becoming the beginning of wisdom.
On Thursday, June 18, 2026, the Edo State Government and security agencies recorded another significant breakthrough in the fight against insecurity. Governor Okpebholo’s convoy drove into the headquarters of the Edo State Police Command in Benin City, where the police paraded a number of suspected kidnappers and criminals arrested in various operations across the state.
The governor’s appearance that day reflected the simplicity for which he is widely known. Dressed in a modest white Adidas shirt and a simple face cap, he looked every bit the humble leader many have come to know. Yet beneath that calm and unassuming exterior lies a man with an iron resolve and an uncompromising commitment to making Edo State safe for law-abiding citizens.
The success recorded by the police and other security agencies did not happen by accident. It was the direct outcome of a security strategy driven by a governor who has consistently made security a top priority since assuming office.
Through collaboration with the police, the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), vigilante groups, and other stakeholders, the administration has intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating across the state.
One of the highlights of the operation was the arrest of suspects connected to the kidnapping of a woman at the popular Vegetable Market off Airport Road in Benin City. The incident had generated widespread concern among residents and prompted immediate action from the governor.
According to Governor Okpebholo, immediately he received information about the kidnapping, he contacted the Commissioner of Police and directed that everyone involved in the crime must be apprehended without delay.
Remarkably, within twenty-four hours, security operatives tracked down the suspects, recovered the money intended for ransom payment, and neutralized one of the criminals during an exchange of gunfire. Other members of the gang were either arrested or placed on the run.
The swift response demonstrated not only the effectiveness of intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration but also the governor’s insistence that criminal acts must attract immediate consequences.
It sent a clear warning to criminal elements that Edo State is no longer a comfortable environment for their activities.
Perhaps the most powerful statement made by Governor Okpebholo during the parade was his proposal for the establishment of a special court dedicated to the speedy trial of kidnappers and cultists.
The proposal is aimed at eliminating unnecessary delays in the prosecution process and ensuring that suspects face justice within a reasonable timeframe.
For years, many Nigerians have expressed concerns over prolonged judicial processes that allow criminal cases to drag on endlessly.
Governor Okpebholo’s proposal seeks to change that narrative in Edo State by creating a mechanism through which offenders can be tried and convicted promptly.
Even more striking was the governor’s declaration that he would not hesitate to sign the death warrant of any convicted kidnapper where the law permits. The statement underscored his determination to ensure that criminals understand the gravity of their actions and the consequences that await them.
His words resonated strongly across the state., “Please don’t take my simplicity for granted,” the governor warned. Those few words captured the essence of his administration’s approach to governance and security.
While he may not be given to excessive grandstanding, Governor Okpebholo has shown repeatedly that he possesses the political will necessary to confront insecurity head-on.
The crackdown has not been limited to kidnappers alone. The administration has intensified its war against cultism, a menace that has claimed countless lives and disrupted peace in many communities across Edo State.
Security agencies have continued to raid suspected cult hideouts, arrest members of notorious groups, and dismantle operational bases used for criminal activities.
One notable action was the demolition of a property in Uromi allegedly used as a hideout by criminal elements. The demolition served as a strong warning that properties used to facilitate criminal activities would no longer be protected.
Beyond arrests and demolitions, the government has also demonstrated a commitment to combating misinformation capable of creating unnecessary panic among residents.
During the police parade, Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika addressed the growing problem of fake news and false alarm reports. He specifically debunked reports alleging that suspected kidnappers had invaded schools in different parts of the state. According to him, investigations revealed that the reports were entirely false, despite the deployment of security personnel to verify the claims.
The commissioner warned that the spread of fake information not only causes panic but also diverts security resources away from genuine threats. He equally condemned the rising trend of self-kidnapping, describing it as a criminal offence punishable under the law.
These developments further highlight the comprehensive nature of the state’s security strategy, which seeks not only to apprehend criminals but also to address factors capable of undermining public confidence and security operations.
Today, there is growing evidence that the governor’s security architecture is producing tangible results. Communities that once lived in fear are beginning to witness increased security presence. Criminal gangs are being disrupted. Cult activities are facing sustained pressure.
Intelligence gathering is improving, and law enforcement agencies are responding more swiftly to incidents.
While challenges remain and the fight against crime is far from over, there is little doubt that Governor Monday Okpebholo has demonstrated uncommon commitment in confronting insecurity.
His administration has shown that when leadership provides clear direction, supports security agencies, and backs words with action, significant progress can be achieved.
The message echoing across Edo State is becoming louder with each passing day: the era of impunity is gradually coming to an end.
Kidnappers can no longer operate freely. Cultists can no longer assume they are beyond the reach of the law. Criminal hideouts are being exposed. Networks are being dismantled. Arrests are being made. Justice is being pursued.
Indeed, the fear of Governor Monday Okpebholo in the war against criminality is increasingly becoming the beginning of wisdom.
For those who choose the path of crime, the warning could not be clearer. There is no hiding place for kidnappers and cultists in Edo State.
The long arm of the law is closing in, and under the watch of Governor Monday Okpebholo, the state is steadily reclaiming its streets, communities, and future from the grip of criminal elements.
