Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has said that any kidnapper caught in the state will face the death penalty. He made it clear that he is ready to sign the death warrant for anyone convicted of kidnapping.
The governor made this statement on Friday during a meeting with leaders and members of the Arewa community at Uromi Town Hall in Esan land. His Press Secretary, Fred Itua, shared the details in a statement.
Governor Okpebholo explained that the Edo State House of Assembly has passed a new law which allows for the death sentence by hanging for convicted kidnappers. The law also gives the government the power to seize and destroy any property used for kidnapping.
“I take the issue of insecurity seriously and will not bend the rules but apply them strictly,” he said. “The new law in the state allows us to demolish kidnappers’ properties and take over their land. We will build vigilante offices on those lands.”
He continued, “We will bring kidnappers to the public and execute them according to the law. I will not be afraid to sign the death warrants.”
Okpebholo said his government will no longer tolerate killings, insecurity, or kidnappings in any part of Edo State. He urged all citizens to work with the government to keep the state safe.
“Security is everyone’s business, not just for the police and army,” he said. “We are going to pay salaries to vigilante teams, and not just let people wear uniforms without doing the job. They will work with security officers and be trained to fight crime.”
He also said his administration would begin checking people who come from other states, especially those claiming to be from the North, to make sure they are not criminals.
“We will fence the market, put up streetlights, and build abattoirs for butchers. Our people must feel safe,” the governor added.
Okpebholo thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting peace efforts in Edo, especially after the recent killings in Uromi. He claimed that many of the troublemakers are not Nigerians but foreigners.
Chairman of the Arewa community in Edo Central, Bawa Umar, thanked the governor and the Onojie of Uromi for restoring peace. He also promised that the Arewa community will support the governor’s efforts to keep the state safe.
Chairman of Uromi cattle market, Isah Muhammad, also praised the governor for how he managed the recent crisis in Uromi.
Retired General Cecil Esekhaigbe advised the Arewa leaders to keep a proper record of their members and monitor them to prevent crime.
The meeting ended with a strong message of unity and the need for everyone to play their part in keeping Edo safe.
