By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – THE Edo state government on Sunday said the current state of insecurity in the state was caused by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who it accused of arming over 5,000 youths and suspected thugs to prosecute the last governorship election and that intelligence report indicated that the party is keeping these arms and allegedly stockpiling more to be used to cause more harm if the party and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo did not get favourable judgment from the election petition tribunal.

A statement to the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Fred Itua said the government is concerned with the rising wave of insecurity, which he said fueled these set people associated with the PDP.

He alleged that the suspected thugs were armed and recruited into the Edo State Security Network and they are still in possession of over 5,000 illegal firearms.

The statement said “These individuals, who were heavily armed before the 2024 Edo Governorship Election, have refused to surrender their weapons, posing a clear and present danger to the safety of our citizens.

It is on record that former Governor Godwin Obaseki, before the last election, openly threatened that “Nigeria would burn.” This was not a mere political outburst—it was a premeditated declaration backed by the systematic arming of touts and thugs.

“These individuals, many of whom were drafted into the Edo State Security Network under the previous administration, still possess over 5,000 illegal firearms, which they now use to perpetrate robbery, kidnapping, and violent attacks across the State.

“The Edo State Government is aware that PDP leaders, who had direct control over these armed operatives, have refused to assist in disarming them. Instead, they continue to shield these criminals, providing them with cover as they unleash terror on innocent citizens.”

He said the State Government is calling on all security agencies to intensify their investigations, track down the alleged armed criminals, their sponsors and bring them to justice.

“The security and well-being of Edo people remain Governor Okpebholo’s utmost priority, and he will not allow politically sponsored violence to take root in our State.”





https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/pdp-responsible-for-insecurity-in-edo-armed-thugs-during-election-state-govt/