Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has declared that kidnappers apprehended in the state will face the death penalty by hanging, emphasizing his willingness to sign death warrants for convicted offenders.
The governor made this statement during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Uromi Town Hall, where he engaged with leaders and members of the Arewa community in Esan land.
This announcement was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the governor’s Press Secretary, Fred Itua.
Governor Okpebholo highlighted that the Edo State House of Assembly has passed a bill amending the Kidnapping Prohibition Amendment Law of 2013. The revised law prescribes the death penalty for kidnappers and includes provisions for the confiscation and demolition of properties used in committing such crimes.
He further stressed his administration’s zero tolerance for insecurity, killings, and kidnappings, vowing to take decisive action against 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 EDHA. I will not be afraid to sign it,” he declared.
The Governor called on all to collaborate with his administration to secure the State, saying “security is the business of all and not for security agencies alone.
“The kind of security we want to have in the State is one where security remnants women are paid salaries, unlike before where the people will just put on uniforms without being paid. 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.”
Governor Okpebholo said President Bola Tinubu loves the North and has been very supportive to ensure that the Uromi killing didn’t lead to more destructions.
“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 revealed.
The Chairman of Arewa in Edo Central, Bawa Umar, expressed gratitude to Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Onojie of Uromi for their efforts in restoring peace to the region.
Umar commended the Governor’s strides in enhancing security across the state and pledged the unwavering support of the Arewa community to ensure the success of his administration.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Uromi Cattle Market, Isah Muhammad, thanked the Governor for his handling of the Uromi incident, noting that it played a crucial role in de-escalating tension in the area.
Gen. 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.”