Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has vowed to sign the execution warrants of convicted kidnappers and cultists in the state, warning that his administration would show no mercy to criminals threatening the peace and security of Edo people.

The governor made the declaration on Thursday at the headquarters of the Edo State Police Command in Benin City during the parade of suspects, including a suspect linked to the kidnapping incident that occurred at the Vegetable Market on Sunday.

Governor Okpebholo disclosed that his administration would establish a special court to fast-track the prosecution of kidnappers and cultists, assuring residents that criminal cases would be concluded within a short period.

He warned criminals not to mistake his simplicity for weakness, insisting that those who engage in kidnapping and cult-related activities would be arrested, prosecuted and made to face the full wrath of the law.

The governor said he immediately directed the Commissioner of Police to apprehend those behind the Vegetable Market kidnapping after receiving reports of the incident. According to him, one suspect was arrested during the operation, another was neutralised, while two others are still at large.

He assured that security agencies are working round the clock to ensure that criminals and their sponsors have no hiding place in Edo State.

Governor Okpebholo also defended the efforts of the Federal Government in tackling insecurity, stating that the support being provided by President Bola Tinubu to security agencies is yielding positive results across the country.

He urged residents to avoid criminal activities, noting that it is better to live within one's means than to risk losing one's life through crime.

In recognition of the efforts of the police operatives involved in the arrest of the kidnapping suspect, the governor presented a cash reward of N10 million to the officers.

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, said investigations into the kidnapping incident are ongoing and that efforts have been intensified to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.

He disclosed that exhibits recovered from the suspect include a red Lexus RX 350 vehicle with registration number EKP 848 AE, a pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, a motorcycle and cash totalling N2.25 million suspected to be proceeds of crime.

Agbonika thanked Governor Okpebholo for his continued support to the command and also appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his guidance and support.

The police commissioner further appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information that would aid security agencies in combating crime and protecting lives and property in the state.