Why Gov Okpebholo Suspended Uwano Monarch Over Rising Kidnappings and Killings

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the indefinite suspension of Dr. George Oshiapi Egabor, the traditional ruler of Uwano Kingdom, over the rising wave of kidnappings and killings plaguing his domain in Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area.

The governor's decision, announced on Monday, April 21, 2025, was contained in an official statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua.

According to the statement, the action became necessary following the alarming state of insecurity in the region, which climaxed with the murder of a Palace Chief, Late John Ikhamate, in a recent incident involving armed assailants.

The statement further revealed that Chief Peter Omiogbemhi, Secretary to the Uwano traditional ruler, has already been arrested by security operatives as investigations deepen into his alleged complicity in the unrest.

This development comes in the wake of a horrific abduction that occurred on March 3, 2025, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Iviukwa, near Agenebode. On that night, Rev. Father Philip Ekeli, a Catholic priest, and Peter Andrew, a seminarian, were abducted by gunmen at about 11:30 p.m.

While Rev. Fr. Ekeli was later released by the kidnappers, the seminarian was tragically murdered in captivity.

The Uwano Kingdom and surrounding communities have been gripped by fear and uncertainty, as violent crimes and kidnappings have become rampant in recent months. Local residents and stakeholders had repeatedly raised alarms over the inability of traditional leadership in the area to provide actionable intelligence or support efforts to tackle insecurity.

Governor Okpebholo's suspension of the monarch signals a zero-tolerance stance on leadership failures, especially in areas where traditional rulers are entrusted with community security and peacekeeping responsibilities.

The governor emphasized that no one is above accountability, and that the government will continue to take decisive steps to ensure safety and justice for all Edo citizens.