Sen. Joseph Ikpea, who represents Edo Central District, has expressed strong support for Governor Monday Okpebholo’s proposal to introduce a fast-track trial system for suspects involved in kidnapping and cult-related crimes in Edo State.
Ikpea’s position was contained in a statement issued in Benin on Friday. He praised the governor for the recent intensified operations against kidnapping networks operating within the state.
The senator particularly applauded Wednesday’s rescue mission that led to the recovery of a woman abducted on Sunday at the busy Benin Airport Road Vegetable Market, as well as the arrest of a member of the gang involved.
It would be recalled that the Edo State Police Command, in collaboration with the governor, on Thursday paraded suspected kidnappers, including one linked to the Vegetable Market abduction.
During the parade, Governor Okpebholo disclosed plans to set up a special court that would ensure the conclusion of trials involving kidnapping and cultism cases within two weeks.
He also vowed to approve their death sentences and oversee their public execution at the Ring Road Roundabout in Benin, the state capital.
In a related development, the governor announced a N10 million reward to the police command in recognition of their “dexterity” in handling the operation that led to the arrest of the suspects.
Reacting, Ikpea commended the administration’s backing of security agencies and its renewed drive to curb criminality across the state.
According to him, Okpebholo’s gesture to Edo police, after Sunday’s Vegetable Market kidnap, which led to the victim’s rescue and a gang member’s arrest, is commendable.
The senator added that the governor’s swift action “is a clear signal to criminal elements around the state that nowhere is safe for them and a huge confidence booster for the residents that they are safe.
“As the senator representing Edo Central, I reaffirm my support and determination to collaborate with the State Government in ensuring that Edo Central is safe,” Ikpea stated.
He further pledged to work with fellow senators from other districts to strengthen collaboration with the state government on security issues.
Ikpea also urged residents to take security as a shared civic duty.
“When everyone is involved in the business of security, all the bad elements in the state will either repent or relocate as they would have realised that Edo is no safe haven to criminals,” he added.
