The Edo State government has levied serious accusations against the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alleging that the party is responsible for the rising insecurity in the state.
In a statement released on Sunday, the government, through the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Fred Itua, claimed the PDP armed over 5,000 youths and suspected thugs to influence the recent governorship election and continues to harbor these armed individuals.
According to the statement, intelligence reports suggest the PDP is not only keeping these weapons but also allegedly stockpiling more, intending to destabilize the state if the election petition tribunal does not rule in their favor regarding their candidate, Asue Ighodalo.
“These individuals, who were heavily armed before the 2024 Edo Governorship Election, have refused to surrender their weapons, posing a clear and present danger to the safety of our citizens,” the statement read.
The government further alleges that some of these armed individuals were integrated into the Edo State Security Network under the previous administration, and they continue to possess over 5,000 illegal firearms. The statement quoted past remarks made by former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
“It is on record that former Governor Godwin Obaseki, before the last election, openly threatened that ‘Nigeria would burn.’ This was not a mere political outburst—it was a premeditated declaration backed by the systematic arming of touts and thugs.”
The statement continued: “These individuals, many of whom were drafted into the Edo State Security Network under the previous administration, still possess over 5,000 illegal firearms, which they now use to perpetrate robbery, kidnapping, and violent attacks across the state.”
The statement further accused PDP leaders of shielding these criminals, providing them cover while they terrorize innocent citizens. “The Edo State Government is aware that PDP leaders, who had direct control over these armed operatives, have refused to assist in disarming them. Instead, they continue to shield these criminals, providing them with cover as they unleash terror on innocent citizens.”
The state government called on all security agencies to intensify investigations, track down the alleged armed criminals and their sponsors, and bring them to justice. “The security and well-being of Edo people remain Governor Okpebholo’s utmost priority, and he will not allow politically sponsored violence to take root in our state.”
In a swift reaction, the PDP, through a statement signed by its State Chairman, Hon. Tony Azeigbemi, vehemently denied the allegations, accusing Governor Okpebholo of attempting to deflect blame for his administration’s failure to address the escalating security crisis in Edo State.
“It is shameful and utterly disappointing that Senator Monday Okpebholo has continued to play the blame game with respect to his total failure in handling the primary responsibility of government, which is protecting the lives and property of the people of the state,” Azeigbemi stated.
The PDP statement painted a grim picture of the current security situation in Edo State, claiming the state has “degenerated into a lawless state since he took office” and that Edo citizens are “under siege.”
Azeigbemi stated, “In the past three weeks alone, at least 35 innocent Edo citizens have been brutally killed, including Batemue Philip Ebo, Christopher Bello, and Victor Ogedengbe, whose lives were tragically cut short by militant groups and killer herdsmen who have overrun various communities in the state. Several others have sustained various degrees of injuries, and properties worth millions of naira have been destroyed.”
The PDP further accused the current administration of reversing the security gains made under the previous government, claiming that Edo State “has now become so unsafe, gaining a notorious reputation as the capital of kidnapping and violent crimes in the country” after being “repositioned as one of Nigeria’s safest places to live and do business during the Godwin Obaseki government.”
