Adeyanju Faults Okpebholo’s Governance, Commends Edo Anti-Kidnapping Efforts

Adeyanju Faults Okpebholo’s Governance, Commends Edo Anti-Kidnapping Efforts

Human rights lawyer and public affairs commentator Deji Adeyanju has criticised the governance record of Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, while commending his administration’s efforts to tackle kidnapping and violent crime in the state.

Adeyanju made the remarks in a statement on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, in which he acknowledged what he described as the governor’s firm position against insecurity in Edo State.

The lawyer said he had consistently criticised Okpebholo’s administration and remained opposed to what he described as the governor’s “failed governance style”.

However, he said the administration deserved recognition for specific measures taken against kidnapping, particularly the identification and prosecution of suspected kidnappers and the demolition of properties and hideouts allegedly linked to criminal activities.

According to Adeyanju, the measures send a strong message that kidnapping and other violent crimes would not be tolerated in Edo.

He urged Okpebholo to intensify the campaign against criminal groups by combining enforcement with stronger preventive security measures across the state.

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Adeyanju specifically called for greater use of community policing, saying security structures should be strengthened at the ward and local government levels.

He said stronger community-based security networks would enable residents to provide timely intelligence to security agencies and help prevent kidnappings before they occur.

The lawyer also urged the governor to strengthen the state’s wider security architecture and sustain pressure on suspected criminals.

His comments come against the backdrop of continuing kidnapping concerns in Edo State, which has experienced a number of abduction incidents along major roads and in communities.

In June, Okpebholo condemned a kidnapping incident around the Vegetable Market area of Airport Road in Benin City and directed the state Commissioner of Police to commence an investigation aimed at rescuing victims and arresting those responsible.

The governor said at the time that his administration would not tolerate activities that threatened public safety and security and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.

Edo has also introduced measures aimed at strengthening local security responses, including support for vigilante operations and other community-level interventions.

Adeyanju’s latest comments present a mixed assessment of the Okpebholo administration: he maintained his criticism of the governor’s broader governance record but acknowledged the steps taken against kidnapping and criminal activities.

He said the security measures should be sustained and expanded through stronger intelligence gathering and community participation to address the threat before attacks occur.

Adeyanju Faults Okpebholo’s Governance, Commends Edo Anti-Kidnapping Efforts