Kidnappers caught in Edo State will face the death penalty, specifically by hanging, Governor Monday Okpebholo said while expressing readiness to sign the death warrants of convicts in the state.
He disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting with leaders and members of the Arewa Community at Uromi in Esan North LGA in Edo Central Senatorial District of the state.
Okpebholo said his administration would not tolerate insecurity, killing and kidnapping anymore as he would deal ruthlessly with all criminal elements.
He said, “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. We will build vigilante team offices on those lands.
“We will bring kidnappers to the public and execute them to show our seriousness according to the laws already passed by the House of Assebly. I will not be afraid to sign it.
“We are going to employ vigilante teams and pay them salaries and stop people from just putting on their uniforms. These people will work with security agencies and they will be trained on how to fight crimes and handle criminals. I will not wait until campaign time to solve your problems. I will start to address the problems facing our people in the market, and everywhere.
“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. We will fence the market, put streetlights, build abattoirs for those killing cows. We want to secure the people of Edo State.”
He said President Bola Tinubu loves the North and had been very supportive to ensure that the Uromi killing didn’t lead to more destruction.
“Those destroying the land, causing problems are not even from Nigeria. They are foreigners but the president has vowed to bring peace to Nigeria,” he said.
The chairman of Arewa community in Edo Central, Alhaji Bawa Umar, thanked the governor and the Onojie of Uromi for the peace that has been restored.
He said the governor was doing well in terms of security and the Arewa community would support his administration to ensure it succeeds.
Chairman of Uromi cattle market, Alhaji Isah Muhammad, thanked the governor for the way he handled the Uromi incident which he said helped to reduce tension in the area.
General Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd) said, “I appeal to the Arewa community to ensure they have a database for all their members to be able to account for all their members.
“I urge the leaders to advise their members and monitor their activities to ensure they are not criminal activities”, he said.
The Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) has passed a bill amending the Kidnapping Prohibition Amendment Law (and Related Matters 2013).
The bill prescribes the death penalty for kidnappers and mandates the confiscation and demolition of properties used in the commission of their crimes.
