Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has said that the majority of kidnapping incidents in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, are perpetrated by indigenes of the community.
The governor made the assertion while receiving students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, and other youths who were released from a Correctional Centre after their arrest over the January 10, 2026 anti-kidnapping protest in the town.
According to Okpebholo, intelligence reports and arrests made by security agencies revealed that many of the suspects involved in kidnapping activities around Ekpoma are locals.
“Most of the incidents of kidnapping in Ekpoma are done by locals. When soldiers and other security agencies went into the forest at night, the people caught were natives from Ekpoma. We need to identify who our real enemies are,” he said.
He added that investigations by security agencies consistently showed that several individuals involved in criminal activities in the area were indigenes of the locality.
The governor cautioned students against allowing themselves to be used by criminal elements, urging them to focus on their education rather than protests that could be hijacked for violence.
“I was deeply pained when I saw what was happening in my place. The day I was sworn in, I made a commitment to revive Ambrose Alli University. Since then, it has been about how to move the school forward and reposition it,” he said.
Questioning the violent nature of the protest, Okpebholo stated, “Somebody says he is a student and he is protesting. What are you protesting for? Don’t allow yourself to be used. Read your books so you can become successful.”
While acknowledging the security challenges facing Ekpoma and other parts of the country, the governor stressed that insecurity is a collective problem that requires collective responsibility.
“The same way you are afraid for your life is the same way I am afraid for my life. Kidnappers do not know anyone’s status. It is a common problem we all share,” he noted.
Okpebholo also condemned the destruction of shops and looting of properties during the protest, describing the actions as counterproductive.
“Things are already difficult, people are hungry, and you are burning shops and destroying properties. If it were yours, would you be happy?” he asked.
The governor appealed to students and youths to embrace peace and constructive engagement, assuring them that criminals would not be allowed to have a hiding place in Edo State.
While noting that some of those arrested may be innocent, Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s resolve to ensure that criminal elements are rooted out across the state.
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