Insecurity in Edo: CRPP accuses Okpebholo of poor governance, calls for security reform

By Elvis Omoregie, Benin 

he Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) has strongly criticised Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, over what it described as the poor handling of the recent crisis that erupted in Ekpoma and its surrounding communities.

The coalition said the position was reached after extensive deliberations on the economic, political and social situation in the state during its first meeting of the year, held in January 2026.

In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Dr. Samson Isibor, and made available to journalists in Benin City, the CRPP condemned the arrest and detention of students following the protest, describing the government’s response as excessive and counterproductive.

According to the coalition, several students were allegedly arrested from their hostels by security agencies and remanded at the Nigeria Correctional Service facility.

The CRPP called for their immediate release, insisting that peaceful protest is a constitutional right and should not be met with repression.

While condemning the actions of security agencies, the coalition also faulted hoodlums who hijacked the peaceful protest and turned it violent. It described the destruction of property, particularly the attack on the Enogie of Ekpoma’s Palace, as unacceptable and unjustifiable.

“The destruction of innocent citizens’ properties under any guise is condemnable and unwarranted,” the statement read.

The CRPP further blamed what it termed the governor’s “reactive style of governance” for the worsening insecurity across Edo State.

It lamented that for years, residents have raised concerns over the occupation of forests, farmlands and highways by terrorists, bandits and armed herdsmen, without decisive government intervention.

According to the coalition, criminal elements have now become emboldened to the point of invading towns and villages to kidnap residents from their homes, a situation it described as “horrendous for a state with an elected governor.”

The group also criticised the governor’s use of helicopters to tour troubled areas, questioning the value of such exercises in addressing the root causes of insecurity. It argued that the funds used for such aerial surveillance would be better deployed towards strengthening grassroots security architecture.

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