Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has vowed to sign the death warrants of four people convicted of kidnapping.
The four convicts Marvellous Isaac aged 32 Wisdom Michael aged 36 Rufus Emete Michael aged 30 and Gift Raphael aged 27 were sentenced to death on September 30th by an Edo State Special Court.
They were convicted after abducting one Precious in broad daylight at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road Benin City.
Governor Okpebholo said he would sign the death warrant if the convicts failed to appeal their sentence within the stipulated 30 days.
Okpebholo who spoke at God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry said insecurity was one of his biggest worries when he assumed office.
The Edo Governor stated that he raised the state of the roads and the security situation with President Bola Tinubu during a meeting.
He said he called President Tinubu when the gunmen struck and told him he could handle the situation.
Okpebholo stated that he prayed for the kidnappers to be caught within 24 hours before calling the Commissioner of Police to demand their arrest.
‘I told him I wanted these guys arrested because I already have approval from God and they were caught within that time.
‘They are already sentenced to death and I pray they don’t appeal the judgment. Even if they do they are only delaying time. If within 30 days they don’t appeal I will execute’ he said.
Governor Okpebholo said he met prominent traditional rulers across the state to warn them against interceding for anyone involved in crimes before he began the campaign against kidnapping and cultism.
Recalling several strange encounters linked to spiritual forces after his administration pulled down a building associated with a cult group the Edo Governor said a black bird died in his office and a vulture also died in his bed while he was contesting for governorship.
Founder of God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry Apostle Ehijele Umuahia urged church members to vote for the governor and his preferred candidates in the 2027 elections.