Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has stated that the current surge in abductions across Nigeria is a deliberate attempt to discourage President Bola Tinubu.
Okpebholo argued that a similar strategy was reportedly used against former President Goodluck Jonathan and succeeded, but insisted that it would not work against the current administration.
The governor’s remarks come amid a new surge of bandit-related abductions across the country.
In November, armed bandits stormed the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Oke Isegun, Eruku, Kwara State, and kidnapped several worshippers during a service.
In a separate attack, suspected bandits abducted 10 residents in the Biresawa and Tsundu communities of Tsanyawa Local Government Area in Kano State.
Speaking to Igbo leaders at the Government House in Benin City, Okpebholo alleged that the recent kidnappings were driven by political motives.
He said: “These kidnappings are happening because they want to frustrate the President, but he remains steadfast.
“They are abducting people because someone wants to win an election. It’s unfair. They tried this with Goodluck Jonathan and succeeded, but we already understand their tactics.”