Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has declared that Nigeria must not be surrendered to criminal elements, insisting that kidnappers and other violent groups have no place in determining the nation’s future.
The governor made the remarks on Sunday during a visit to LoveWorld City, Christ Embassy, in Benin City, where he joined worshippers and called for collective prayers to address the country’s growing security concerns.
Addressing the congregation, Okpebholo stressed that no individual or group should be allowed to hold the nation hostage for personal, political or criminal interests, particularly as the country gradually approaches another election cycle.
According to him, Nigeria belongs to its citizens and not to those who seek to create fear through kidnapping, cultism and other forms of criminal activity.
The governor appealed to religious leaders and worshippers to continue interceding for the country, urging them to pray for peace, stability and economic recovery.
He also called for prayers for the leadership of the nation, particularly President Bola Tinubu, asking God to grant him wisdom, strength and guidance in steering the country through its challenges.
Okpebholo expressed optimism that the country would eventually overcome its security and economic difficulties through a combination of divine intervention, effective leadership and collective action by citizens.
He noted that the support of religious communities remains vital in efforts to restore confidence and hope among Nigerians facing difficult circumstances.
During the service, the officiating minister, Pastor Moses Olayemi, led special prayers for national unity, economic growth and the wellbeing of communities across the country.
He also offered prayers for government officials at various levels and called for lasting peace throughout Nigeria.
The cleric commended the Edo State Government for ongoing development initiatives, particularly infrastructure projects aimed at improving the lives of residents and stimulating economic activities across the state.
The governor’s comments come at a time when concerns over insecurity continue to dominate national discourse.
Despite sustained military operations and various government interventions, incidents of kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and violent attacks have remained major challenges in several parts of the country.
In recent months, schools and vulnerable communities have increasingly become targets of criminal groups, reigniting fears over the safety of students, teachers and rural residents.
One of the most disturbing developments occurred in May 2026 when armed men reportedly attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting pupils and teachers.
Around the same period, another mass abduction involving schoolchildren was reported in Borno State.
The incidents drew nationwide concern and renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect educational institutions and prevent further attacks on children.
Reacting to the wave of abductions, President Bola Tinubu, in his Children’s Day message, assured affected families that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of those still in captivity.
He pledged that the government would intensify actions aimed at protecting citizens and restoring confidence in the nation’s security architecture.
Another high-profile kidnapping case occurred on June 3, 2026, when Mrs. Olaide Adegoke John-Paul, sister of former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, and her 12-year-old twin sons were abducted in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The victims were later rescued by security operatives, bringing relief to their family and underscoring the continuing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat kidnapping across the country.
Against this backdrop, Governor Okpebholo maintained that Nigerians must remain united and resolute in confronting insecurity, expressing confidence that with faith, cooperation and sustained action, the nation can overcome the threats posed by criminal groups and build a safer future for all citizens.
