Kidnapping Happening In Nigeria Just To Destabilise Tinubu’s Government – Edo Governor, Monday

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has linked the recent surge in kidnappings and killings in northern Nigeria to a deliberate attempt to destabilise the country and discredit President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He made the statement while receiving leaders of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Edo State chapter, at the Government House in Benin City on Wednesday.

“What they are doing is to fuel kidnapping because they want to distract and discredit Mr President,” Okpebholo said. “They did it to President Goodluck Jonathan. They succeeded then. It isn’t fair. They did this to Jonathan and succeeded but we have known their tricks already.”

The governor emphasized that no act of intimidation would derail the president’s focus on national security. “No matter the intimidation, we will not succumb to blackmail. The president is resolute,” he added. The recent violence has forced governments in states like Kebbi, Plateau, Niger, and Kwara to close schools to ensure students’ safety.

Several public figures have also expressed concern over the attacks. Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West, said the bandits’ activities in Niger and Kogi were intended “to cause panic and distract the president’s security agenda.” Former lawmaker Shehu Sani alleged that the terrorists behind these attacks are local, dismissing claims that they originate from outside Nigeria. In response, President Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency and ordered new recruitment into the Armed Forces to bolster ongoing operations.