Edo gov: Most kidnappings, violence in Ekpoma carried out by locals

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has alleged that many of those involved in kidnapping and other criminal activities in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of the state, are indigenes of the area. The governor stated this during a stakeholders’ engagement with students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, government officials and other critical […]

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has alleged that many of those involved in kidnapping and other criminal activities in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of the state, are indigenes of the area.

The governor stated this during a stakeholders’ engagement with students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, government officials and other critical stakeholders.

According to him, investigations by security agencies revealed that a significant number of those perpetrating crimes around Ekpoma were locals.

“Most of the incidents of kidnapping in Ekpoma are local. When soldiers and other security agencies went into the forest at night, the people caught were natives of Ekpoma. So, we need to look at who our real enemy is,” he said.

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Okpebholo expressed deep pain over the violent turn taken by a recent protest in the area, especially in view of his administration’s commitment to reviving Ambrose Alli University.

Condemning the destruction of shops and looting of property during the protest, the governor said the development was distressing and unacceptable.

He recalled that since his swearing-in, he had assured the people of his determination to revive and reposition AAU, noting that his administration had increased the university’s monthly subvention from N40 million to N500 million.

The governor cautioned students against allowing themselves to be used by criminal elements, urging them to remain focused on their studies and shun violence.