Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has vowed that kidnappers caught in the state will face the death penalty, specifically by hanging, expressing readiness to sign the death warrants of convicts.
Okpebholo made this known at the stakeholders’ session at the Uromi Town Hall, where he had an interactive session with leaders and members of the Arewa community in Esan land.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua, on Friday.
He explained that the Edo State House of Assembly had passed a bill amending the Kidnapping Prohibition Amendment Law (and Related Matters 2013).
According to him, the bill prescribes the death penalty for kidnappers and mandates the confiscation and demolition of properties used in the commission of their crimes.
The governor added that his administration will not tolerate insecurity, killing, and kidnapping anymore in the State as he will deal ruthlessly with all criminal elements in the State.
“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 Edo State House of Assembly. I will not be afraid to sign it,” he declared.
Okpebholo urged all to collaborate with his administration to secure the State, saying security is the business of all and not for security agencies alone.
