File photo: Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday, warned residents against recruiting criminals from outside the state to perpetrate kidnappings and other violent crimes, saying such actions were undermining efforts to improve security.
Okpebholo issued the warning while addressing participants at the 2026 Ministers’ Conference organised by the Edo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Benin City.
He said insecurity remained a concern in the state but alleged that some individuals were deliberately exaggerating incidents and spreading false information on social media to tarnish the image of his administration.
According to him, investigations by security agencies have revealed that some criminal activities in the state are being facilitated by local collaborators who recruit armed gangs from outside Edo to carry out kidnappings and other crimes.
