Democracy Day: Okpebholo Declares Edo Unsafe for Kidnappers, Deploys 2,500 Security Agents to Flashpoints

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has declared that kidnappers and criminal elements have been flushed out of the state’s major flashpoints, following the deployment of over 2,500 security operatives across Edo.

Governor Okpebholo made the declaration at a Democracy Day event held at the Government House, Benin City, to mark Nigeria’s 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.

The Governor, while addressing guests and party faithful, said his administration has successfully restructured Edo’s security architecture and drastically reduced cultism to its barest minimum.

“We did not achieve this by chance. It was through deliberate strategy, community intelligence gathering, and the creation of the Edo State Security Corps,” he said. “Today, over 2,500 personnel, trained by the Nigerian Military and Police, are being deployed to keep our streets, schools, villages, and highways safe.”

Governor Okpebholo emphasized that his government is building a new Edo State — one that works for its people, protects its citizens, and delivers real, tangible results.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as a true hero of Nigerian democracy and a worthy successor to the ideals of Chief M.K.O. Abiola.

“In the face of immense pressures and uncertainties, President Tinubu has done what many before him could not — now moving the nation forward with courage and vision,” Okpebholo stated.

The Governor reaffirmed that his administration remains people-centered, guided by the SHINE Agenda which focuses on Security, Health, Infrastructure, Natural Resources, and Education.

Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, thanked the Governor for working closely with him despite being from an opposition party, pledging the Assembly’s continued collaboration to deliver on the administration’s promises.

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, also congratulated Edo people on the attainment of 26 years of uninterrupted democracy. He noted that the state endured anti-democratic forces for eight years, but was rescued through Governor Okpebholo’s emergence.

In a goodwill message, Senator Mathew Uroghide, who was Director of Administration and Logistics in the Chief M.K.O. Abiola/SDP Presidential Campaign Council for the 1993 election, hailed the resilience of pro-democracy activists and the prominent role played by Edo sons in the struggle.

APC leader in the state, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, praised the Governor for persuading opposition party members to defect to the APC, a move that has given the party a majority in the House of Assembly.

Retired military General and Senatorial Leader of the APC in Edo Central, Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd), commended Governor Okpebholo for what he called “practical leadership and democratic sincerity” exhibited in his first six months in office.

A major highlight of the event was the defection of the Senator representing Edo South, Neda Imasuen, from the Labour Party to the APC — a move that consolidates the ruling party’s strength in the state.

Also present at the Democracy Day event were Deputy Governor Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor; Chief of Staff Gani Audu; former Deputy Governor Pius Odubu; Acting State Deputy Chairman Sylvester Aigboboh; APC State Secretary, Engr. Lawrence Okah; State Youth Leader Tony Adun; Commissioners, Special Advisers, and members of the State House of Assembly.

Governor Okpebholo concluded by urging citizens to uphold the values of culture, unity, and progress, assuring them that under his watch, Edo State will not only be the Heartbeat of the Nation but the standard for good governance.