BY OSABUOHIEN VIVIAN ROSE
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has said that kidnappers caught in the state will face the death penalty, specifically by hanging, expressing readiness to sign the death warrants of convicts.
Governor Okpebholo disclosed this 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 disclosed in a statement signed by the Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua, on Friday.
He noted that the Edo State House of Assembly had passed a bill amending the Kidnapping Prohibition Amendment Law (and Related Matters 2013).
The bill, he said, prescribes the death penalty for kidnappers and mandates the confiscation and demolition of properties used in the commission of their crimes.
Governor Okpebholo said 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 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.
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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.
Chairman of Arewa in Edo Central, Bawa Umar, thanked the Governor and the Onojie of Uromi for the peace that has been restored.
He noted that the Governor is doing well in terms of security in the State and the Arewa community will support his administration to ensure it succeeds.
Chairman of Uromi Cattle market, Isah Muhammad, thanked the Governor for the way he handled the Uromi incident which he said helped to bring down the tension in the area.
