Kidnapping has become a persistent threat to the peace and security of Edo State, with residents grappling with fear and uncertainty due to frequent abductions and violent crimes.
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‎Despite efforts by the state government, the menace of kidnapping continues to undermine public safety and economic stability.
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‎Governor Monday Okpebholo, who assumed office with a promise to prioritize security, faces mounting pressure to deliver sustainable solutions to curb this growing crisis.
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‎Recent incidents highlight the severity of the kidnapping epidemic in Edo State.
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‎Reports indicate a surge in abductions, particularly in areas where poor road conditions and remote locations provide fertile ground for criminal activities.
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‎A notable case involved the suspension of Dr. George Oshiapi Egabor, the traditional ruler of Uwano Kingdom, following incessant kidnappings and killings in his domain, including the death of a palace chief.
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‎Additionally, posts on social media have expressed public frustration over incidents such as a bus attack where passengers were kidnapped, with little immediate response from authorities.
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‎The economic and social toll of kidnapping is profound. Businesses suffer as investors shy away from a state perceived as unsafe, while families endure emotional and financial strain from ransom demands. The rise in cultism, often linked to kidnapping, further exacerbates the insecurity, creating a vicious cycle of violence and fear.
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‎Governor Monday Okpebholo has taken several steps to address the kidnapping crisis. In February 2025, he signed the Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law 2025, which strengthens the 2013 law by imposing the death penalty not only on kidnappers but also on their collaborators.
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‎Additionally, the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law 2025 was enacted, prescribing 21 years’ imprisonment for cultists causing injury or property damage, 10 years for those harboring cultists, and the death penalty for cult-related killings.
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‎Okpebholo has also engaged security forces, holding high-level strategy meetings with the State Special Security Squad, which includes personnel from the Nigerian Army, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local hunters, vigilante groups, and rehabilitated ex-cultists.
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‎These efforts have led to arrests and raids on criminal hideouts. The governor has also flagged off emergency road repairs in Edo North, targeting routes prone to kidnapping due to their deplorable condition, such as the Auchi-Igarra-Aiyetoro axis.
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‎The Edo judiciary has pledged support for Okpebholo’s initiatives, with Chief Judge Hon. Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa emphasizing collaboration to enforce the new laws. However, public sentiment suggests that these measures have yet to fully restore confidence, with citizens calling for more decisive action.
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‎Despite these efforts, challenges persist. The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the Okpebholo administration of failing to curb rising kidnapping and violence, alleging that political rhetoric is exacerbating tensions ahead of election tribunal judgments.
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‎Poor infrastructure, such as dilapidated roads, continues to provide cover for criminals, while staffing shortages in the judiciary hinder swift prosecution of offenders. Additionally, the lack of visible progress in high-profile cases, such as the bus attack, has fueled public discontent.
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‎To effectively tackle kidnapping in Edo State, Governor Okpebholo should consider the following comprehensive strategies:
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‎– Expand the State Special Security Squad by integrating more local vigilantes and community leaders who understand the terrain and can provide actionable intelligence.

– Establish community-based surveillance networks to monitor suspicious activities in rural and urban areas, with incentives for residents to report credible leads.
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‎– Accelerate road rehabilitation projects, particularly in high-risk areas like Edo North, to reduce ambush points for kidnappers.‎
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– Install CCTV cameras and emergency communication systems along major highways and in vulnerable communities to deter criminal activities and enable rapid response.
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‎– Address judicial staffing shortages by recruiting and training more personnel to ensure swift prosecution of kidnappers and cultists.

– Provide specialized training and modern equipment, such as drones and tracking devices, to security forces to enhance their capacity to locate and neutralize criminal hideouts.
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‎– Launch youth empowerment programs to address the root causes of cultism and crime, offering skills training, employment opportunities, and rehabilitation for ex-cultists.

– Partner with local NGOs to provide support for victims of kidnapping, including counseling and financial assistance to rebuild trust in governance.
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‎– Conduct statewide campaigns to educate residents on safety measures and the importance of cooperating with security agencies.

– Foster dialogue with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to ensure a unified approach to tackling insecurity.
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‎– Deepen collaboration with federal agencies, as Okpebholo has done with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to secure additional resources, including funding and personnel, for anti-kidnapping operations.
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‎The kidnapping crisis in Edo State demands urgent and multifaceted action.
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‎While Okpebholo has taken commendable steps through legislative reforms and security engagements, the persistence of abductions underscores the need for a more robust and coordinated approach.
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‎By prioritizing community involvement, infrastructure improvements, judicial efficiency, and socioeconomic interventions, the governor can restore safety and confidence in Edo State.
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‎The people of Edo deserve a secure environment where they can live, work, and thrive without fear. The time for decisive action is now.
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