Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has said he will sign the death warrants of four convicts in the Vegetable Market kidnapping case if they fail to appeal their sentences within the stipulated 30-day period.
According to his Chief Press Secretary Dr Patrick Akhere Ebojele, the Governor made this known during a fellowship at God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry, where he reviewed his administration’s efforts to tackle kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes across the state.
The governor said insecurity was among the major challenges confronting Edo State when he assumed office, adding that he had raised concerns about the state’s security situation and road infrastructure with President Bola Tinubu.
Recounting the abduction incident at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City, Okpebholo said he contacted the President, who asked whether he could handle the situation.
According to him, he assured the President that he could address the challenge, prayed for the arrest of the perpetrators within 24 hours and subsequently directed the Commissioner of Police to ensure their apprehension.
“I told him I wanted these guys arrested because I already have an approval from God, and they were caught within that time,” the governor said.
He disclosed that the four defendants had been sentenced to death by an Edo State Special Criminal Court on September 29, 2026, for the abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market.
“They are already sentenced to death, and I pray they don’t appeal the judgment. Even when they appeal the judgment, they are only delaying time. If within 30 days, they don’t appeal, I will execute,” he said.
The governor also recalled that, before launching his administration’s campaign against kidnapping and cultism, he had consulted prominent traditional rulers across the state and warned against intervening on behalf of individuals involved in such crimes.
He further recounted what he described as unusual incidents associated with his administration’s demolition of a building allegedly linked to a cult group.
“A black bird died in my office when I demolished their building. A vulture also died in my bed while contesting for governorship,” he said.
Meanwhile, the founder of God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry, Apostle Ehijele Umuahia, urged members of the congregation to support Okpebholo and his preferred candidates in the 2027 general elections.
Citing Proverbs 29:2, the cleric said prayers for political leaders should be accompanied by active participation in the electoral process, urging Christians to turn out in large numbers to vote.
Umuahia described the governor as a humble individual whose commitment to Christianity predated his assumption of office.
He said he had known Okpebholo for more than 15 years, dating back to the period when the late Chief Tony Anenih was alive.
According to him, Okpebholo regularly accompanied Anenih during visits to the ministry, providing the opportunity for their relationship to develop.
The cleric added that the governor had maintained his devotion to God despite the demands of public office.
