Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has vowed to sign the death warrants of four convicted kidnappers in the Vegetable Market abduction case if they fail to appeal their sentences within the stipulated 30-day period.
The governor made this known on Friday during a fellowship at God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry, according to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele.
Speaking on his administration’s efforts to tackle kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes, Okpebholo described insecurity as one of the major challenges confronting the state when he assumed office.
He also recounted discussing road infrastructure and security concerns with President Bola Tinubu during a meeting.
According to the governor, he contacted the President following an attack by gunmen at the Vegetable Market.
Tinubu reportedly asked whether he could handle the situation, to which he answered in the affirmative.
Okpebholo said he subsequently prayed for the arrest of the perpetrators within 24 hours before contacting the Commissioner of Police to demand immediate action.
“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 suspects had been sentenced to death, expressing hope that they would not challenge the judgment on appeal.
“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,” he said.
The four convicts were sentenced to death by an Edo State Special Criminal Court on September 29, 2026, for abducting a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City.
Okpebholo also recalled meeting prominent traditional rulers across the state before launching his administration’s campaign against kidnapping and cultism.
He said he warned them against intervening on behalf of anyone implicated in such crimes.
The governor further recounted incidents he attributed to spiritual forces following the 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 elections.
Citing Proverbs 29:2, the cleric said prayers for political leaders should be accompanied by active participation in the electoral process. He encouraged Christians to turn out in large numbers to vote.
Umuahia described the governor as a humble individual whose commitment to God predated his election to office.
He said he had known Okpebholo for more than 15 years, dating back to the period when the governor accompanied the late Chief Tony Anenih on visits to the cleric.
According to him, Okpebholo had remained devoted to his faith despite the demands of public office.
