Nigeria’s Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo says kidnappings and highway attacks in the state have increased public anxiety, but he argues the situation is being driven by political forces rather than a lack of security capacity. In statements reported by multiple outlets, Okpebholo addresses ongoing incidents of abductions and attacks on roads and links the unrest to the “handiwork of the opposition.” He also makes a political assertion that “there is no vacancy in Aso Rock,” a remark he frames as a response to speculation about leadership or power ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The reports describe heightened concerns in Edo as criminals carry out kidnappings and attacks, prompting calls for stronger protection for residents and travelers. While both sources attribute the governor’s claims to political motivations, they do not provide additional independent evidence or details of specific incidents. Overall, the coverage centers on Okpebholo’s message that the state’s security challenges are being exploited politically, alongside his insistence that he does not believe there is an opening for leadership at the national level.
