The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has vowed that his administration will not allow kidnapping or cult-related violence to thrive in the state in 2026.
reports that the Governor stated this in his 2026 New Year message to the people of the state on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
Okpebholo, in a message made available to newsmen by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Patrick Ebojole, in Benin City, declared that his administration would deploy stronger security strategies and technology to keep the people safe in the 2026 calendar year.
He also assured the people of the state of renewed hope, stronger security, and accelerated development in the next 365 days.
While describing 2026 as a defining phase of “Hope and Growth” for the state, he thanked God for sustaining the state through 2025, which marked his administration’s first year in office.
He noted that the journey so far has been one of steady progress despite inherited challenges.
“We thank the Almighty God for keeping us through 2025 and bringing us safely into 2026. It has been a remarkable first year in office with successes recorded, challenges encountered, and lessons learned.
Upon assumption of office, Edo State faced serious challenges, including insecurity, deplorable roads, poor infrastructure, weak institutions, and low public trust.
“When we came into the office, the state was confronted with insecurity, bad roads, weak institutions and low public confidence. With the support of the Edo people, the story is changing for the better.
“As part of new security measures, the government will introduce a dedicated security hotline, enabling citizens to report criminal activities in real time.
“Our security agencies have been fully briefed and are ready to respond swiftly to any threat to peace and order in our communities,” he said.
Okpebholo also described 2026 as a year of renewed optimism and inclusive growth.
He added “2026 is the Year of Hope and Growth. Hope because we must never give up on Edo’s future, and growth because progress must be felt in every sector and in every part of the state.
He, however, pledged that no community would be left behind and no citizen would be ignored as his administration builds on the gains of the past year.
The Governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and commended political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, civil society groups, and the people of Edo State for their cooperation.
He urged citizens to embrace peace, hard work, and unity in the New Year.
“As we begin this New Year, let us choose peace over violence, hard work over shortcuts, and hope over fear.
“I wish all Edo residents a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
May 2026 bring peace, joy, and blessings to every home in Edo State,” he added.
While acknowledging that challenges remain, the Governor assured residents that his government is tackling them head-on.
He explained that under the SHINE Agenda of his administration, measurable progress had been made in security, infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, economic development, and job creation, stressing that governance under his watch is driven by practical action, not promises.
“The challenges we inherited have not disappeared overnight. Our roads still need massive attention, food security and job creation require more effort, and remnants of violent touts and cult groups still exist in some areas. But we are confronting them decisively,” he stated.
He revealed that since November 2024, his administration has intensified the fight against crime by identifying criminal elements, strengthening law enforcement, supporting lawful arrests, and demolishing criminal hideouts across the state.