Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State linked the rise in insecurity in Nigeria to what he sees as efforts by the opposition to weaken President Bola Tinubu’s government ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock,” he stated.
Mr Okpebholo spoke in Benin City during the launch of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for the upcoming local elections in Edo South Senatorial District.
His comments come as worries grow over kidnappings and violent attacks in Edo State. Security agencies have reported many abductions and several high-profile attacks on major highways in recent months.
“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock. They can even kidnap all of us, yes, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock,” the governor said, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
“What is happening today is the work of the opposition. They have failed. Have they not failed? Is it by kidnapping children? Then who are you going to govern? There will be nobody for you to govern. So let them give us peace so that we can rule well.”
The governor made these remarks during a time of increased security issues in Edo, especially along major roads and in parts of Edo Central and Edo North senatorial districts.
In February, PREMIUM TIMES reported that the police arrested 87 suspected kidnappers and rescued 30 victims in Edo.
In April, gunmen attacked a commercial bus on the Lagos, Benin Expressway near Iguobazuwa, killing the driver and taking three passengers. This attack raised fresh concerns about the safety of travelers on one of Nigeria’s busiest roads.
Weeks later, armed kidnappers ambushed a Young Shall Grow Motors bus carrying passengers from Akwa Ibom to Lagos along the Benin-Lagos Road. They abducted 13 travelers after shooting a female passenger. Security forces managed to rescue all the victims after a two-week operation that included drone surveillance and coordinated searches.
The police command in Edo has acknowledged the seriousness of the problem.
PREMIUM TIMES reported that in May, the Commissioner of Police in Edo, Monday Agbonika, revealed that police arrested 55 suspected kidnappers and rescued 58 victims between March and May. These actions were part of stronger efforts against violent crimes in the state. The police said they expanded intelligence-led operations, drone use, and digital tracking technologies to fight kidnapping and related crimes.
Security forces have also raided suspected kidnappers’ hideouts in parts of Edo, leading to arrests and the recovery of weapons.
At the campaign event, Mr Okpebholo praised President Tinubu for achieving more for Nigeria than past administrations.
He mentioned that the benefits of the removal of fuel subsidy are already clear through infrastructure and development projects across Edo.
The governor congratulated APC candidates who won in the party’s primaries for the council elections. He expressed confidence that their victories would strengthen the party for future elections.
He added that the APC is committed to delivering the 2.5 million votes it promised for President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
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