From Michael Egbejule, Benin City.
The Edo State government on Tuesday accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of fueling the spate of insecurity across the state amid the incessant kidnappings and other violent crimes recorded in the past two weeks .
Recall that the Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State had raised the alarm of the worsening insecurity across the State describing it as a failure on the part of the governor Monday Okpebholo-led government to guarantee the protection of lives and property of citizens, which according to the opposition party is the primary responsibility of any government.
This is contained in a statement signed by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, and made available to newsmen in Benin.
He said accused the opposition of PDP of allegedly sponsoring a surge in violent crimes, particularly kidnappings and other forms of insecurity.
According to the CPS, intelligence reports indicate that these crimes are not just the handiwork of random criminal elements but are being sponsored by leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He further called on security and
security agencies to launch a thorough investigation into the involvement of PDP leaders in these crimes saying, “No individual or political group should be allowed to hold the state hostage for political gain.”
The state reads , “The resilience of Edo State is currently being tested by evil merchants, individuals sponsoring a surge in violent crimes, particularly kidnappings and other forms of insecurity.
“Disturbingly, intelligence reports indicate that these crimes are not just the handiwork of random criminal elements but are being sponsored by leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Their aim? To create chaos, undermine the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo, and destabilize governance in the State.
“In recent months, Edo residents have witnessed an alarming increase in abductions, targeted attacks, and orchestrated misinformation campaigns. A sad carryover from the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s.
Security sources reveal that certain PDP leaders are not only financing these acts of terror but are also using them as political tools to cast the current administration in a bad light. This calculated effort to sabotage the government through fear and propaganda must not go unchecked.”
He said that the PDP, instead of playing the role of a responsible opposition, its PDP leaders have doubled up on misinformation, issuing false statements to the public and international observers.
” They have actively sought to discredit Governor Okpebholo’s security initiatives while providing tacit support to violent actors. The implications of this are dire, as it erodes public trust in governance and further emboldens criminals.
“Given the weight of these allegations and the security implications, it is imperative that the Nigeria Police and other security agencies launch a thorough investigation into the involvement of PDP leaders in these crimes. No individual or political group should be allowed to hold the state hostage for political gain. Those found culpable must face the full wrath of the law.”he said.
