Governor Okpebholo Declares Nigeria Does Not Belong to Kidnappers

June 11, 2026 3 min read

Governor Monday Okpebholo has issued a firm declaration that Nigeria does not belong to kidnappers, speaking exclusively to Channels Television in a broadcast that drew national attention to the growing threat of abduction across the country. The Edo State governor delivered the message during a nationally televised interview, positioning his administration as unyielding in the face of criminal activity that has plagued communities in the region. The statement comes amid heightened public anxiety over security incidents affecting ordinary citizens in southern Nigeria. Okpebholo's remarks represent one of the most direct rebuttals by a state governor to criminal elements operating in the area this year.

Governor Speaks on National Television

The interview with Channels Television provided Okpebholo with a platform to address what he described as an unacceptable normalisation of kidnapping as a tool for criminal enterprise. The governor spoke from Benin City, the capital of Edo State, where his administration has faced mounting pressure to demonstrate concrete results in protecting residents. Channels Television, one of Nigeria's most widely watched news networks, broadcast the remarks to audiences across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Okpebholo left no ambiguity about his position, framing the fight against kidnapping as a battle for the nation's identity and future.

The Security Challenge in Edo State

Edo State has experienced a noticeable increase in kidnapping incidents over the past several months, according to reports from local security monitors and community leaders. Criminal networks have targeted travellers along the Benin-Abuja highway and residents in rural communities surrounding the state's central belt. The situation has forced many families to alter their daily routines, with some parents refusing to let children walk to school unaccompanied. Okpebholo's government has pledged to reverse this trend, pointing to recent operations by security agencies operating under state coordination.

Community Response and Collaboration

Local officials in affected areas have begun organising neighbourhood watch schemes to complement the efforts of police and other security agencies. Community leaders report that trust between residents and law enforcement has improved since Okpebholo took office, though they caution that more work remains to be done. Some families have relocated temporarily to urban centres, citing fears about their safety in villages that lack adequate patrol coverage. The governor has called on citizens to share intelligence with security agencies without fear of retaliation from criminal groups.

Government Strategy and Resources

The Okpebholo administration has committed additional funding to support security operations across the state's 18 local government areas. Officials have described a multi-pronged approach that combines enhanced patrol schedules, intelligence gathering, and prosecution of suspected kidnappers. The state government has also engaged with federal security agencies to coordinate responses to cross-border criminal activity. Okpebholo told reporters that his administration would not hesitate to deploy every available resource to dismantle kidnapping networks.

Reactions from Across Nigeria

Citizens across Nigeria have responded to Okpebholo's declaration with a mixture of support and cautious optimism. Social media users in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja shared clips of the Channels Television interview, praising the governor's direct language. Some commentators argued that firm statements must be matched by sustained action, pointing to previous security promises that failed to produce lasting improvements. The debate reflects broader national frustration with the persistence of kidnapping despite years of law enforcement efforts.

What Happens Next

Security analysts will be watching closely for measurable reductions in kidnapping incidents across Edo State in the coming weeks. The state government has indicated that it will provide quarterly updates on crime statistics through official channels. Okpebholo is expected to convene a security summit in Benin City that will bring together local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and law enforcement commanders. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to the nearest police station or through dedicated hotlines.