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Nigeria not for kidnappers, criminal elements – Okpebholo

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo declared that Nigeria belongs to its citizens, not kidnappers or criminal elements.
  • He urged prayers for peace, good governance, and economic recovery, specifically requesting divine guidance for President Bola Tinubu.
  • Okpebholo expressed confidence that collective efforts and prayers would help overcome the nation's security challenges, particularly as elections approach.

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has asserted that Nigeria is not a territory for kidnappers and other criminal elements, emphasizing that the nation belongs to its citizens. Speaking during a visit to LoveWorld City in Benin City, Okpebholo called for fervent prayers against the rising tide of kidnapping, cultism, and other security challenges plaguing the country.

This country does not belong to kidnappers. No individual or group should hold the nation captive for personal or political interests.

— Monday OkpebholoGovernor Okpebholo's statement on national security and criminal elements.

He also implored the congregation to pray for President Bola Tinubu, seeking divine wisdom, guidance, and strength for the president to effectively lead the nation and manage its economy. Governor Okpebholo conveyed his conviction that Nigeria would surmount its present difficulties through the power of prayer and concerted action. "This country does not belong to kidnappers. No individual or group should hold the nation captive for personal or political interests," he stated.

As elections draw closer, kidnapping has become a growing concern. However, with the prayers of God’s people and collective efforts, we believe these challenges will be overcome.

— Monday OkpebholoGovernor Okpebholo's remarks on security challenges and the upcoming elections.

Okpebholo highlighted that as elections draw nearer, kidnapping has become a growing concern. However, he expressed optimism that with the prayers of God's people and collective efforts, these challenges would be overcome. He noted that prayers for Nigeria would naturally extend to ensuring the safety and well-being of Edo State and other regions. The governor also received commendation from the officiating pastor for ongoing developmental projects in the state, particularly improvements in road infrastructure.

We appreciate the transformation taking place across the state. The roads and other projects are improving daily, and we commend your efforts. May God grant you the resources and strength to complete what you have started.

— Pastor Moses OlayemiPastor Olayemi's commendation of Governor Okpebholo's developmental projects.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.