Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has made a bold statement regarding the fate of four convicted kidnappers, asserting that he will not hesitate to sign their death warrants if they fail to appeal their sentences within the required timeframe. This declaration was made during a fellowship event at God's People Worldwide Prayer Ministry, where the governor discussed his administration's ongoing battle against kidnapping, cultism, and other violent crimes that plague the state.

The four individuals were sentenced to death by an Edo State Special Criminal Court on September 29, 2026, for their involvement in the abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City. Okpebholo emphasized that even if the convicts choose to appeal, it would merely delay their ultimate fate. He stated, "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 the days stipulated, they don’t appeal, I will execute."

In his remarks, Okpebholo reflected on the significant challenges of insecurity he encountered upon taking office. He revealed that he had previously discussed the state’s security issues with President Bola Tinubu, who granted him the necessary approval to tackle them. The governor recounted a specific incident when he contacted the President after the Vegetable Market kidnapping, assuring him that he could manage the situation. Following this, he instructed the Commissioner of Police to ensure the arrest of the kidnappers, which was successfully executed within a short period.

Prior to launching his campaign against these crimes, Okpebholo had engaged with prominent traditional rulers in Edo State, cautioning them against providing support or intercession for individuals involved in criminal activities. He also shared unsettling experiences linked to spiritual forces following his administration's demolition of a building associated with a cult group, including the mysterious deaths of birds in his vicinity.

During the fellowship, Apostle Ehijele Umuahia, the founder of God's People Worldwide Prayer Ministry, encouraged church members to support Governor Okpebholo and his preferred candidates in the upcoming 2027 elections. He urged the congregation to actively participate in the electoral process, stressing the importance of prayer and civic engagement. Umuahia praised Okpebholo as a humble leader with a long-standing commitment to his faith, recalling their acquaintance dating back over 15 years to the late Chief Tony Anenih.

As the governor continues to confront the challenges of crime in Edo State, his firm stance on the death penalty for convicted kidnappers signals a decisive approach to restoring safety and security in the region.