EDO GOVERNOR OKPEBHOLO VOWS DEATH PENALTY FOR KIDNAPPERS, SIGNALS ROBUST SECURITY REFORMS. (PHOTO).

 Edo Governor Okpebholo Vows Death Penalty for Kidnappers, Signals Robust Security Reforms

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced that kidnappers caught in the state will face the death penalty by hanging, affirming his readiness to sign their death warrants. The governor made this declaration during a stakeholders’ session at Uromi Town Hall, where he engaged with leaders and members of the Arewa community in Esan land, according to a statement by his Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Friday.

Governor Okpebholo revealed that the Edo State House of Assembly recently passed an amendment to the Kidnapping Prohibition Law of 2013, prescribing the death penalty for kidnappers and mandating the confiscation and demolition of properties used in their crimes. “I take insecurity seriously and will apply the law strictly,” he said. “We will demolish their properties, confiscate their lands, and build vigilante team offices on those lands. Kidnappers will be executed publicly to show our seriousness.”

Emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance on insecurity, the governor vowed to deal ruthlessly with criminals, stating, “My administration will not tolerate killing or kidnapping anymore.” He outlined plans to strengthen security by employing and training salaried vigilante teams to work alongside security agencies, unlike previous unpaid volunteers. “Security is everyone’s business, not just for agencies,” he urged, calling for community collaboration.

Okpebholo also addressed the recent Uromi incident, crediting President Bola Tinubu’s support for preventing further escalation. He alleged that some troublemakers were foreigners, not Nigerians, and announced plans to profile non-indigenous residents claiming northern origins to curb criminality. Additional measures include fencing markets, installing streetlights, and building abattoirs to enhance safety and infrastructure.

Chairman of Arewa in Edo Central, Bawa Umar, and Uromi Cattle Market Chairman, Isah Muhammad, commended the governor’s handling of the Uromi crisis and pledged support for his security initiatives. Retired General Cecil Esekhaigbe urged the Arewa community to maintain a database of members to monitor activities and prevent criminality.

The governor assured residents that his administration would address market and community challenges promptly, without waiting for campaign periods, as part of a broader effort to secure Edo State.