BENIN CITY, Nigeria – The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the state government of failing to protect citizens following a surge in violent killings across the state.
At least 35 people have been reported killed in the past two weeks, with the party describing the situation as a “state of siege.”
The criticism came during a press conference held in Benin City where the PDP’s Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, condemned the government’s handling of security.
He also commended former governor and current Senator Adams Oshiomhole for raising concerns about the crisis during a Senate plenary session in Abuja.
Aziegbemi highlighted that the violence has spread across all three senatorial districts in the state—Edo South, Edo Central, and Edo North—with killings and attacks becoming increasingly frequent.
“The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property of citizens, and in this regard, we can categorically say that the Okpebholo government has failed woefully,” he said.
The PDP chairman named several victims, including Batemue Philip Ebo, Christopher Bello, and Victor Ogedengbe, who were allegedly killed by militant groups and suspected herdsmen.
He also noted that properties worth millions of naira had been destroyed, with many others sustaining severe injuries.
“The people of Edo State are under siege,” Aziegbemi stated.
“This was even acknowledged by Okpebholo’s political ally, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, during his public outcry on the floor of the Senate in Abuja, where he lamented the worsening insecurity in Edo State under Okpebholo’s watch.”
Aziegbemi questioned the current administration’s decision to dismantle security measures implemented during the tenure of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
“We dare to ask Okpebholo what happened to the elaborate surveillance system with cameras and screens, the Command and Control Centre, among others, which Obaseki put in place to the envy of the entire country and beyond,” he said.
He also criticised the governor for disarming the Edo State Security Network and removing its leadership, as well as failing to hold regular security council meetings.
“The supposed chief security officer of the state stands dazed, overwhelmed, clueless, and utterly incapable of managing the worsening insecurity that has continued to claim the lives of innocent citizens almost on a daily basis,” Aziegbemi added.
In response, Governor Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Fred Itua, dismissed the PDP’s allegations as politically motivated.
He accused the opposition party of ignoring insecurity during its eight-year tenure and claimed the current administration has taken decisive steps to address the crisis.
“While the Okpebholo administration swiftly mobilised security forces and initiated immediate responses to curb the threats, PDP shamelessly tried to spin the situation to cover up their own failures,” Itua said.
“Under their disastrous leadership, Edo’s security architecture collapsed, leaving citizens at the mercy of criminals. Yet, here they are, pretending to care about security only because it offers them another excuse to criticise.”
