Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has announced that anyone convicted of kidnapping in the state will face the death penalty by hanging.
The governor expressed his firm commitment to signing death warrants and implementing the newly amended law passed by the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA).
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting with the Arewa community in Uromi, Esan land, Okpebholo made it clear that his administration will no longer tolerate any form of insecurity, including killings and abductions.
“The new law permits us to demolish properties used for kidnapping and confiscate the land”, he said.
“We will go further by building vigilante offices on such lands. Kidnappers will be made public examples. I will not hesitate to sign their execution orders.”
The Edo State House of Assembly recently passed a bill amending the Kidnapping Prohibition Law, introducing the death sentence for kidnappers and authorising the seizure of assets tied to the crime.
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Governor Okpebholo also announced a plan to formally recruit vigilante members into the state civil service.
He said that moving forward, vigilante members will receive salaries and undergo proper training in partnership with security agencies.
“We want to stop the practice where people just wear uniforms without pay. These security personnel will be properly trained and compensated,” he said.
He further urged for cooperation among residents, emphasizing that security is a collective responsibility.
He also addressed concerns about criminal elements infiltrating the state, especially under the guise of being from the North.
“We must begin profiling people who claim to come from the North but may not even be Nigerians. We will fence our markets, install streetlights, and build proper abattoirs. The safety of Edo people is non-negotiable,” the governor added.
Governor Okpebholo praised President Bola Tinubu for his swift intervention following the recent Uromi crisis, attributing the restoration of peace to the president’s support.
Leaders of the Arewa community in Edo Central, including Alhaji Bawa Umar and Alhaji Isah Muhammad, lauded the governor for his decisive action in diffusing tension in the area.
Retired General Cecil Esekhaigbe also called on the Arewa community to maintain a proper database of their members and ensure accountability to avoid criminal associations.
The meeting concluded with a renewed pledge of collaboration between the state government and local communities to foster peace and security across the state.
