Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has vowed to enforce the death penalty on anyone convicted of kidnapping in the state, declaring his readiness to sign death warrants without hesitation.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement with the Arewa community in Uromi, the governor made it clear that his administration would deal decisively with insecurity and criminality.
“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 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,” he said.
This firm stance follows the recent amendment of the Edo State Kidnapping Prohibition Law, which prescribes the death penalty for kidnappers and allows for the demolition and seizure of any property used in the act.
Okpebholo noted that security is a collective responsibility and not just the job of law enforcement.
He also revealed plans to reform the state’s vigilante system by paying salaries and training members to work in synergy with conventional security agencies.
“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 farm land, causing problems are not even from Nigeria,” he added.
Earlier in the meeting, Chairman of the Arewa community in Edo Central, Alhaji Bawa Umar, praised the governor and the Onojie of Uromi for the restored peace in the area.
