Edo: Bird died in my office after demolition of cultists’ building – Okpebholo

Edo state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has recalled what he described as strange incidents linked to spiritual forces following the demolition of a building allegedly associated with a cult group in the state.

The governor said, “a black bird died in my office after I demolished their building while a vulture also died on my bed during the governorship campaign.”

Okpebholo spoke during a fellowship programme organised by God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry in Benin City, where he also reiterated his resolve to enforce the death sentences imposed on four persons convicted of kidnapping a woman at Vegetable market, Airport road, Benin City.

He emphasised that he would sign their death warrants if they failed to appeal their sentences within the stipulated 30 days.

The governor pointed out that insecurity, particularly kidnapping and cultism, was among the major challenges he encountered on assuming office, adding that he had discussed the security situation and the condition of roads in the State with President Bola Tinubu.

Recalling the abduction incident at Vegetable market, Okpebholo said he contacted the President, who asked whether he could handle the situation, to which he responded in the affirmative.

He disclosed that he subsequently prayed for the arrest of the perpetrators within 24 hours before contacting the Commissioner of Police to demand their apprehension.

“I told CP I wanted these guys arrested because I already have an approval from God, and they were caught within that time.

“They are already sentenced to death, and I pray they don’t appeal the judgment. Even when they appeal the judgment, they are only delaying time. If within 30 days, they don’t appeal, I will execute,” he said.

An Edo State Special Criminal Court on September 29, 2026, sentenced four defendants to death for abducting a woman at Vegetable market along Airport road, Benin City.