HEARTBEAT AND ANXIETY: Edo State grapples with surge in violent crimes

*Governor refreshes strategy, reassures traumatised residents

BY ORIAKU IJELE

In recent years, the security landscape of Edo State has undergone a distressing transformation. Once regarded as a relatively stable gateway between the western and eastern regions of Nigeria, the “Heartbeat of the Nation” is now grappling with a surge in violent crimes that has left residents in a state of perpetual anxiety. From the dense forests of Edo North to the bustling streets of Benin City, the escalating cases of kidnapping and armed robbery reflect a complex breakdown of public safety that demands urgent attention.

The Daily Monitor on Sunday learnt that kidnapping has evolved from an occasional occurrence into a sophisticated criminal industry in Edo State. The audacity of these “men of the underworld” was starkly demonstrated in early January 2026, when two brothers, Abu Ibrahim and Abu Tahir, were abducted in front of their residence in Auchi. Ibrahim, a medical doctor serving at the Edo State Teaching Hospital, watched helplessly as the situation turned tragic; his younger brother, Tahir, was subsequently killed by the abductors after an alleged escape attempt.

This incident is not an isolated one. In December 2025, a commercial vehicle was ambushed along the Benin–Akure Highway near Obarenren village, leading to the abduction of 18 travellers. While 11 were eventually rescued through a joint operation, the event highlighted the extreme vulnerability of commuters on major transit routes. Even more recently, in January 2026, gunmen stormed the Star Boy Hotel in Akoko-Edo, whisking away eight indigenes and later demanding a staggering ₦100 million ransom—a figure far beyond the reach of the local community.

Parallel to the kidnapping epidemic is the resurgence of violent armed robbery, particularly in urban centers like Benin City. These crimes are no longer limited to midnight break-ins but have spilled into broad daylight, targeting Point-of-Sale (PoS) operators and small business owners.

A chilling example occurred in early January 2026, when a PoS operator was murdered during a robbery on Muritala Muhammed Way. The police subsequently arrested seven members of the syndicate responsible, recovering a vehicle that had been snatched at gunpoint in the Ugbowo area. The proliferation of small arms and the desperation driven by economic hardship have turned everyday commercial activities into high-risk ventures.

The rising tide of insecurity has pushed the citizenry to its breaking point. In Ekpoma, the headquarters of Esan West Local Government Area, the atmosphere became explosive following repeated abductions near student hostels. On January 10, 2026, students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) and local residents took to the streets in a desperate plea for government intervention.

The protest, however, culminated in a controversial security crackdown. Over 50 students were arrested in midnight raids and initially charged with “malicious damage and armed robbery”—charges that civil society groups condemned as an attempt to criminalise dissent. While Governor Monday Okpebholo eventually ordered their release on January 15, the episode underscored the deep-seated tension between a fearful populace and a security apparatus struggling to provide effective protection.

The drivers of this insecurity are multifaceted. High youth unemployment—estimated at over 50% nationally—and the “cultism” epidemic in Edo provide a ready pool of recruits for criminal gangs. Furthermore, the state’s geography, characterized by vast forest reserves, offers ideal hideouts for bandits and kidnappers.

In response, the Edo State Police Command has begun leaning into technology. A landmark success was recorded on January 9, 2026, when the newly formed Eagle Combat Drone Unit located a kidnappers’ camp in Etsako West. The drone-led intelligence allowed ground troops to rescue nine victims, including five children, without a single casualty.

The state governor, Monday Okpebholo is doing all he could to reassure the residents. A few days ago, he handed over 10 new patrol vehicles to security agencies operating across the Edo Central Senatorial District.

The development is contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Dr Patrick Ebojele, on Saturday in Benin.

Okpebholo said the move would strengthen internal security, restore peace and reaffirm his administration’s zero tolerance for crime and criminality.

He said the presentation, held in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, drew traditional rulers, security chiefs, political leaders and community representatives from Esan.

“This is not just about handing over vehicles; it is about understanding what our security personnel face on the ground and responding directly.

“Security is the foundation of development, and we will not compromise the safety of our people,” Okpebholo said.

He urged security groups to work closely with local government chairmen to ensure effective implementation of security strategies.

“The names of Edo State Security Corps, hunters and anti-cultism members must be submitted for profiling and payroll enrolment to enable salary payments across all 18 local councils,” he said.

Okpebholo said a committee earlier trained 2,500 security corps personnel to complement existing Edo State Security Corps members statewide.

“With this number, we should have over 300 security personnel in each local government area,” the governor added.

Representatives from Esan North East, Esan West, Esan Central, Igueben and Esan South East highlighted operational challenges facing security agencies.

They listed logistics gaps, poor equipment, herdsmen-related threats, intelligence deficiencies and the need for improved mobility and communication tools.

Director of Operations, Edo State Security Corps, Mr Richard Balogun, said salaries for operatives had been approved, ending months of uncertainty.

Balogun commended the state government’s renewed commitment to crime-fighting and the welfare of personnel operating in high-risk environments.