Police Rescue Four Kidnap Victims On Lagos-Benin Expressway
Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have rescued four victims abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Lagos-Benin Expressway. The victims were...
Edo State
Edo State, the “Heartbeat of the Nation,” is a center of culture and history in Nigeria. Home to the ancient Benin Empire, it remains a strategic hub for trade and transport between Western, Northern, and Eastern Nigeria. Naija News provides updates on Edo’s rich heritage, political transitions, and economic reforms.
Quick Facts & Profile
| Category | Details |
| Current Governor | Monday Okpebholo (APC) |
| Capital | Benin City |
| Founded | August 27, 1991 |
| Slogan | Heartbeat of the Nation |
| Geopolitical Zone | South South |
| Area | 19,559 km² |
| Population | ~4.7 Million+ (Estimated) |
| ISO Code | NG-ED |
Geography and Borders
Edo State is bordered by Kogi State to the north and northeast, Anambra State to the east, Delta State to the southeast and south, and Ondo State to the west.
Governance: From 1991 to Date
Formed from the split of Bendel State, Edo has been a focal point of Nigerian politics:
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John Yeri (1991–1992): The first Military Administrator.
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John Odigie Oyegun (1992–1993): The first Executive Governor.
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Lucky Igbinedion (1999–2007): Led the state at the start of the Fourth Republic.
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Adams Oshiomhole (2008–2016): Known for aggressive infrastructure and urban renewal.
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Godwin Obaseki (2016–2024): Focused on civil service reform and the “MEGA” agenda.
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Monday Okpebholo (2024–Present): The incumbent governor who assumed office in November 2024.
Education and Landmarks
Edo State hosts the prestigious University of Benin (UNIBEN) and Ambrose Alli University (AAU). Iconic landmarks include the Oba of Benin’s Palace, the Benin Moat, and the Okomu National Park.
Okpebholo Suspends Edo Commissioner, LPRES Coordinator
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the suspension of the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Prof. Omorodion Ignatius Ikponmwosa. He also...
Full List: Edo Governor Approves 20 Fresh Appointments
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved the appointment of 20 new permanent secretaries in the state public service. Naija News reports...
One Killed, Suspect Nabbed As Troops Rescue Kidnapped AAU Students
Security operatives have rescued three students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, and seven travellers abducted along a highway in...
APC Sweeps Edo Local Govt Elections, Wins All 18 Chairmanship Seats
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has been declared the winner of all the 18 chairmanship seats in the Edo State Local Government...
Low Turnout, Delayed Materials Mar Edo LG Election
Today’s local government election in Edo State recorded a low voter turnout across several polling units, as monitored by journalists. Naija News...
Police Deploy Operatives, Restrict Movement For Edo Council Election
The Edo State command of the Nigeria Police Force has announced a statewide restriction of movement ahead of Saturday’s local government council...
Oshiomhole Endorses Firing Squad Proposal For Criminals, Bandits
The lawmaker representing Edo North in the Senate, Adams Oshiomhole, has applauded the death penalty for kidnappers and bandits proposed by the...
Okpebholo Appoints Igbo Community Leader As Edo Commissioner
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the nomination of businessman and politician, Martin Anayochukwu Oli, as a commissioner-designate in the...
Teenage Girl Rescued As NSCDC Arrests Two Suspects In Edo
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo State Command, has arrested two suspects over the alleged abduction and sexual assault...
Photos: ‘I’ll Sign Your Death Warrant, You Won’t Find Peace’ – Edo Gov Okpebholo Threatens
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has warned kidnappers, cultists and other criminals operating in the state to desist from crime or face...
Governor Okpebholo Hails Edo Queens After NWFL Title Triumph
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has congratulated Edo Queens FC on winning the 2026 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) title, describing...
Okpebholo Orders Probe Into Benin Market Kidnapping
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has condemned the reported kidnapping at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City, describing it as...
Why We Shut Down Three Schools In Edo State – Govt
The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of three schools in Akoko Edo Local Government Area over security concerns. The...
Edo Shuts Schools As DSS Uncovers Alleged Bandits’ Abduction Plot
The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following intelligence reports of...
Married Woman Found In Hotel With Lover After Reports That She Was Kidnapped
A woman identified as Oluchi, whose family had reported her missing and allegedly kidnapped in Edo State, has been found in a...
Edo Police Arrest Kidnapper, Recover Two Decomposing Bodies
The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old boy identified as Haruna Musa, a member of a 7-man kidnapper syndicate that...
30-year-old Decorator Hacked To Death At Event Venue In Benin
A 30-year-old decorator, Esohe Aigbe, has been hacked to death by suspected assailants in Benin City, Edo State. Naija News understands that...
Drug Baron Flees As NDLEA Seizes 498kg Cannabis In Edo Shrine
The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recovered 498 kilograms of skunk cannabis allegedly abandoned inside...
Edo APC Crisis Deepens As Okpebholo’s Consensus Move Fails
Attempts by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to broker consensus arrangements ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primaries...