Edo State Government Accuses PDP of Fostering Insecurity Through Arming Thugs During Elections
The Edo State Government has accused the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of contributing to the state’s rising insecurity by allegedly arming over 5,000 youths and suspected thugs during the last governorship election. The government claims these individuals, many integrated into the Edo State Security Network under the previous administration, continue to possess illegal firearms, exacerbating criminal activities across the state.
According to Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, the PDP orchestrated the arming of youths before the 2024 governorship election, with many of these individuals now implicated in crimes such as robbery, kidnapping, and violent assaults. Itua asserts that these armed operatives were recruited into the Edo State Security Network and remain in possession of illegal firearms, posing a significant threat to public safety.
The statement further alleges that former Governor Godwin Obaseki had, prior to the election, threatened that “Nigeria would burn,” interpreting this as a premeditated declaration supported by the systematic arming of thugs. The government expresses concern that PDP leaders have not assisted in disarming these individuals and instead continue to shield them, allowing them to terrorize innocent citizens.
In response, the PDP, through its State Chairman, Hon. Tony Azeigbemi, dismissed the government’s allegations as an attempt to deflect from its own shortcomings in ensuring public safety. Azeigbemi criticized Governor Okpebholo for failing to protect lives and property, noting that since his assumption of office, Edo State has experienced increased lawlessness.
The PDP highlighted recent violent incidents, stating that in the past three weeks alone, at least 35 innocent citizens have been killed by militant groups and criminal elements. The party contends that the government’s inability to address these security challenges reflects a lack of effective leadership.
The backdrop to these allegations includes previous incidents of election-related violence in Edo State. In November 2024, armed thugs attacked the PDP Secretariat in Benin City, vandalizing property and stealing documents, including those related to election petitions. Eyewitnesses accused youths affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating the attack to intimidate opponents and disrupt the party’s legal challenges to election results.
The Edo State Government has called on security agencies to intensify investigations, apprehend the alleged armed criminals and their sponsors, and bring them to justice. Governor Okpebholo emphasizes that the security and well-being of Edo residents remain his utmost priority and vows not to allow politically sponsored violence to take root in the state.
Conversely, the PDP urges the government to take responsibility for the deteriorating security situation, accusing it of failing to protect citizens from escalating violence. The party calls for immediate action to restore law and order, emphasizing that the safety of Edo residents should transcend political affiliations