The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo has raised the alarm that the existential threat of kidnapping has become a worrisome issue that has taken more than a devoted attention of his government.
DAILY POST reports that Governor Okpebholo stated this on Tuesday in his condolence message to the family of late Abu Momoh Tapir, who was killed by kidnappers in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.
Okpebholo, who described the abduction and the subsequent killing of the young medical doctor as unfortunate, painful and deeply regrettable, however, assured the public that the incident does not diminish the resolve of the state to sustain and intensify its fight against kidnapping and other crime.
He opined that if not for the intervention and the quality of what the government has invested in curbing kidnapping, the spate would have been more alarming than what is presently happening.
“The incident of the doctor’s kidnap was quite unfortunate, painful and regrettable, as it tended to cast a slur on our spirited efforts at addressing this challenge.
“We condole the family of Dr Abu Momoh Tahir over this avoidable death. We feel pained as a government that the kidnappers claimed his life at a time we thought we had gotten to the safer corridor of our security engagement.
“We will continue to improve on our effort to make Edo non-habitable for crimes and criminalities as we call on all to be vigilant around their environment at all times.
“If anyone observes strange movements around their vicinity, appropriate reports should be given to the law enforcement agents without delay”, he said.
Okpebholo posited that his administration has been relentless in providing solutions to several security challenges, the peaceful and crime-free yuletide celebration is an indication of our commitment to making Edo state safe for all.
