Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has accused perpetrators of kidnappings and killings in northern Nigeria of attempting to destabilise the country and undermine President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Speaking to leaders of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Edo State chapter, he said, “What they are doing is to fuel kidnapping because they want to distract and discredit Mr President. They did it to President Goodluck Jonathan. They succeeded then. We have known their tricks already.”
Governor Okpebholo added that no amount of intimidation would stop Mr Tinubu from safeguarding lives and property. Highlighting recent attacks in Niger, Kogi, and other northern states, he noted claims that terrorists are foreign-born are false. “No matter the intimidation, we will not succumb to blackmail. The president is resolute,” he said, while Mr Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency and ordered new Armed Forces recruitment to strengthen operations.