Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has announced that those convicted of kidnapping in the state will face the death penalty by hanging.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting in Uromi, Okpebholo affirmed his willingness to sign the death warrants of kidnappers found guilty by the courts.
He made this statement in an interactive session with leaders and members of the Arewa community in Esan land.
In a major move to curb kidnapping, the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) had recently passed a bill amending the Kidnapping Prohibition Amendment Law (and Related Matters 2013).
This new bill prescribes the death penalty for kidnappers and also mandates the confiscation and demolition of properties used in the commission of kidnapping.
“I take the issue of insecurity seriously and will not bend the rules but apply them strictly. The new law in the State permits us to demolish their properties and confiscate their lands,” Governor Okpebholo declared.
“We will bring kidnappers to the public and execute them to show our seriousness in line with the laws already passed by the Edo House of Assembly. I will not be afraid to sign it.”
The governor also emphasized his administration’s commitment to ending insecurity and violence in the state.
“We will not tolerate insecurity, killing, and kidnapping anymore,” he added.
Okpebholo called for public collaboration to enhance security efforts, stating that “security is the business of all and not for security agencies alone.”
He also outlined plans to employ vigilante teams, offering them salaries, unlike in previous years when they worked without compensation.
These vigilantes will receive training to work alongside security agencies to tackle crime and handle criminals effectively.
“It is time to start profiling people from other States who claim to be from the North and ensure they don’t spoil your name. Those destroying farmland, causing problems are not even from Nigeria,” the governor said.
Earlier, Alhaji Bawa Umar, Chairman of the Arewa community in Edo Central, expressed gratitude to the governor and the Onojie of Uromi for the peace that has been restored in the region.
