Gov. Monday Okpebholo has strongly denied claims that his administration approved or paid N6 billion as compensation to any terrorist group in Edo State.
The denial came through a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Thursday in Benin City. The governor was responding to an online publication attributed to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which accused him of disbursing the large sum to terrorists and betraying the people of Edo State.
Gov. Okpebholo described the report as completely false, malicious, and designed to mislead the public. He said it was a clear attempt to cause panic, spread division, and undermine the peace and unity of the state.
He noted that “IPOB’s latest attempt to incite ethnic unrest is criminal and has been out rightly rejected by the people of Edo.”
According to the governor, IPOB’s claims were not just baseless but also dangerous, as they could provoke ethnic tension and disrupt the peaceful coexistence that Edo has long been known for.
He said the group was trying to spread fear and hate in a state that has always embraced peace, unity, and hospitality.
Okpebholo stated that the allegation fits IPOB’s pattern of using propaganda to cause trouble under the cover of protecting ethnic interests. He stressed that no money had been paid to any terrorist or criminal organisation and that his administration would never reward violence in any form.
He noted that “a group that enforces illegal sit-at-home orders and commits murder cannot pretend to speak for justice or human rights in any form.”
He also dismissed IPOB’s claim that vigilante groups in Edo were handed over to so-called “Fulani authorities,” calling it an insult to the brave men and women working daily to secure the state. He assured that Edo’s security framework remains under the state’s full control and is built on trust, professionalism, and inclusion.
Gov. Okpebholo called on security agencies to investigate those behind the false claims and ensure they face the law. He said no group, regardless of their background or motive, should be allowed to use lies and fear to destabilize Edo.
He concluded by saying the state government remains focused on promoting peace, fairness, and development for all citizens, regardless of their religion, tribe, or belief.
