Kidnappers To Die By Hanging In Edo, Says Gov Okepebholo

SATURDAY April 19, 2025 |
By thenewsdesk.ng

Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo has declared that kidnappers found guilty in the state will face death penalty by hanging.

Governor Okpebholo assured his readiness to sign the death warrants of convicts in the state when they are found guilty by the court.

He said this at a stakeholders’ meeting in Uromi, where he had an interactive session with leaders and members of the Arewa community in Esan land.

Recall that the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) had passed a bill amending the Kidnapping Prohibition Amendment Law (and Related Matters 2013).

The bill prescribes the death penalty for kidnappers and mandates the confiscation and demolition of properties used in the commission of the crimes.

According to the governor, his administration will not tolerate insecurity, killing, and kidnapping anymore.

“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.

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”.

He explained that the state government will employed vigilante teams and pay them salaries unlike in the past when they were only putting on their uniforms without salaries.

He added that the vigilante will work with security agencies and would be trained on how to fight crimes and handle criminals.