The Edo State Commissioner for Communications and Information, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu has asserted that the State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo’s strict penalties for kidnapping, ritual killings, cultism and other related crimes have contributed greatly in restoring peace and sanity to the State.

Hon. Ohonbamu made the assertion during a press briefing at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Benin City. According to him, the State’s new law imposing strict penalties on cultism has been effective in curbing the menace of cult-related crimes in the State. He noted that residents are now more cautious when admitting tenants; asking questions to verify their backgrounds.

He emphasised that the law makes a critical distinction between confirmation and conviction, noting that no individual has been wrongly accused or convicted without sufficient evidences. He stated, “Upon confirmation that the person is linked to the offence, his property will be confiscated or demolished. Upon conviction, then the person will be sentenced. Okpebholo does not want criminals, kidnappers, cultists in the State; he wants decency. He is planning, aiming to turn the State into a paradise, bringing investors.”

The Commissioner acknowledged the Governor’s initiatives that have enhanced the effectiveness of security agencies, citing strategic measures implemented to bolster their operations to include the provision of 100 Hilux vans and 1000 power bikes for security operatives and the successful recovery of about 5,000 illegal fire arms in the State.

Addressing the question as to what the Government Is doing to mitigate flooding in the State, the Commissioner assured that the Governor is proactively tackling flooding, describing the Governor as purposeful and forward thinking. He concluded that the Governor is committed to collaborations that would engender meaningful development in the State.