The Edo State Government and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have traded accusations over the rising insecurity in the state, with the government alleging that opposition leaders are sponsoring violent crimes to destabilize the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, the government claimed that intelligence reports revealed PDP leaders were financing acts of terror, including kidnappings, to undermine the state’s stability.
“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 to create chaos, undermine the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo, and destabilize governance in the state,” the statement read.
Itua further accused the former PDP-led government of flooding the state with dangerous weapons during the 2024 governorship election, which he said contributed to the current security crisis.
“The failure to mop up these weapons has emboldened criminal elements who now use them for nefarious activities, including kidnappings and assassinations,” he added.
In response, the PDP caretaker committee chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, dismissed the allegations as a desperate attempt by the government to shift blame for its failure to address insecurity.
“Having become overwhelmed by the security crisis in Edo State and having lost control of the violent crime and criminality running amok in the state, the Monday Okpebholo-led government has now resorted to blame games,” Aziegbemi stated.
He alleged that the government planned to fabricate stories to target PDP members and demolish their properties. “This is not only ridiculous and reprehensible but also a clear sign of failed leadership,” he added.
The PDP called on security agencies and the people of Edo State to take note of the government’s threats, vowing to continue speaking up for the people.