The Senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District, Senator Joseph Ikpea, has thrown his support behind Governor Monday Okpebholo’s proposal to ensure the speedy trial of suspected kidnappers and cultists in Edo State, describing the move as a decisive step toward strengthening security and delivering prompt justice.
Senator Ikpea made his position known in a statement issued from his country home in Ewatto, Esan South-East Local Government Area, and made available to journalists on Thursday.
The lawmaker also commended Governor Okpebholo for the recent crackdown on kidnapping syndicates operating across parts of the state, particularly the successful rescue of a woman who was abducted at the popular Vegetable Market in Benin City on Sunday, as well as the arrest of one of the suspects linked to the crime.
The Edo State Police Command, alongside Governor Okpebholo, on Thursday paraded several suspected kidnappers, including an individual alleged to have participated in the Vegetable Market abduction. During the event, the governor reiterated his resolve to tackle violent crime head-on, declaring that he would facilitate the establishment of a special court dedicated to the swift prosecution of suspected kidnappers and cultists.
Governor Okpebholo also pledged that convicted offenders would face the full weight of the law, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to restoring safety and public confidence across the state.
In recognition of the professionalism and effectiveness displayed by security operatives in rescuing the abducted woman and apprehending members of the gang, the governor announced a cash reward of N10 million for the police team involved in the operation.
Reacting to the development, Senator Ikpea praised the governor’s unwavering support for security agencies and commended law enforcement personnel for their sustained efforts in combating insecurity and protecting lives and property across Edo State.
According to Ikpea, “Governor Okpebholo’s prompt directive to the Edo police to fish out the perpetrators of the Vegetable Market kidnap incident, immediately after the Sunday incident in Benin City and the response of the police and other security agencies that led to the rescue of the kidnapped woman and the arrest of a member of the gang is highly commendable.”
The senator noted that the governor’s swift response sends a strong message to criminal elements operating within the state.
He added that the prompt action of the governor “is a clear signal to criminal elements around the state that nowhere is safe for them and a huge confidence booster for the citizens of the state that they are safe.”
Reaffirming his commitment to security and public safety, Ikpea pledged continued collaboration with the state government and other stakeholders to strengthen peace and stability across Edo State.
“As the senator representing Edo Central, I reaffirm my support and determination to collaborate with the state government in ensuring that Edo Central is safe.
“I am also committed to working with my fellow senators in the other senatorial districts to collaborate with the state government to ensure security in all parts of the state.” Ikpea reassured.
The senator further reiterated his earlier appeal to residents and indigenes of Edo State to view security as a collective responsibility, stressing the importance of community participation in the fight against crime.
According to him, “when everyone is involved in the business of security, all the bad elements in the state will either repent or relocate as they would have realised that Edo State is no safe haven to criminals.”
He maintained that sustained cooperation between government, security agencies and citizens remains critical to winning the battle against kidnapping, cultism and other forms of criminality in the state.