By Davidson Ogbebor

BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has said he will sign the death warrants of four convicts sentenced to death for the abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City, if they fail to appeal their convictions within 30 days.

The governor made the statement during a fellowship programme at God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry, where he reviewed his administration’s efforts to tackle kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes in the state.

Okpebholo said insecurity was among the major challenges he encountered on assuming office, adding that he had discussed the state’s security situation and road infrastructure with President Bola Tinubu.

Recounting the abduction at the Vegetable Market, the governor said he contacted the President, who asked whether he could handle the situation. He said he assured Tinubu that his administration would address the incident.

According to him, he subsequently prayed for the perpetrators to be apprehended within 24 hours before contacting the Commissioner of Police to demand their arrest.

“I told him I wanted these guys arrested because I already have an approval from God, and they were caught within that time,” the governor said.

He disclosed that the four defendants had been sentenced to death by an Edo State Special Criminal Court on September 29, 2026, expressing the hope that they would not appeal the judgment.

“They are already sentenced to death, and I pray they don’t appeal the judgment. Even when they appeal the judgment, they are only delaying time. If within 30 days, they don’t appeal, I will execute,” he said.

The governor’s statement comes amid renewed efforts by his administration to combat kidnapping and cult-related violence across Edo State.

Okpebholo also said he had met with prominent traditional rulers across the state before commencing his campaign against kidnapping and cultism. He said he warned them against intervening on behalf of anyone involved in such criminal activities.

Reflecting on incidents he associated with spiritual forces, the governor recounted what he described as unusual occurrences following the demolition of a building allegedly linked to a cult group.

“A black bird died in my office when I demolished their building. A vulture also died in my bed while contesting for governorship,” he said.

At the event, the founder of God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry, Apostle Ehijele Umuahia, urged members of the congregation to participate actively in the 2027 general elections and vote for the governor and his preferred candidates.

Citing Proverbs 29:2, Umuahia said prayer for political leaders should be accompanied by participation in the electoral process, encouraging Christians to turn out in large numbers to vote.

He described Okpebholo as a humble man with a longstanding commitment to his faith, saying he had known the governor for more than 15 years, dating back to the era of the late Chief Tony Anenih.

“Whenever Chief Tony Anenih came to visit me, he was one of those who accompanied him. That was how we came to know each other,” the cleric said.

Umuahia added that Okpebholo maintained his religious devotion despite the demands of his schedule before becoming governor.