By Kingsley Omonobi

The Afenmai Patriotic Development Association (APDA), a socio-political group from Edo North, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for signing the new law against kidnapping and cultism in Edo State, describing the move as a significant step toward strengthening the fight against insecurity across the state.

In a letter titled “Commendation for the New Law Against Kidnapping and Cultism in Edo State,” signed by the group’s President, MSHC Kennedy Izuagbe, and Director of Public Relations, Innocent Oboh, the association said the governor’s action was a timely response to the growing challenges of kidnapping and cult-related crimes.

The group praised the establishment of a special legal process for the prosecution of kidnapping and related offences, saying it would help speed up the administration of justice.

“The Afenmai Patriotic Development Association (APDA), a frontline socio-political group from Edo North, commends Your Excellency for the pragmatic decision to establish a special legal process for the prosecution of kidnapping and other related offences in Edo State, with a view to fast-tracking the dispensation of justice in such matters,”

According to the association, the decision reflects a practical approach to governance and demonstrates the administration’s determination to confront insecurity.

“This decisive action is an appropriate response to the growing menace of kidnapping and cultism in our dear state. The innovative strategies your administration has consistently employed to combat insecurity in Edo North and across the state are worthy of commendation,” the statement said.

The group also expressed support for measures aimed at ensuring swift justice for convicted kidnappers as provided by the new law.

APDA noted that Governor Okpebholo had continued to promote collaboration among government security agencies and community vigilante groups in line with his administration’s “Edo Is Shining” agenda.

“In our assessment, but for your proactive efforts and strategic interventions, including collaboration between state agencies and existing community vigilante groups, Edo North in particular would have faced even greater security challenges,” the group stated.

It added that the governor’s efforts to improve security had contributed to making Edo North and other parts of the state safer for residents.

The association further acknowledged the various development structures and institutions established by the administration and stressed that tackling insecurity remained critical to the success of the state’s development agenda.

“The fight against insecurity must continue to receive the highest priority if the Edo Is Shining agenda is to attain its full potential,” the statement added.