Senator Monday Okpebholo, the governor of Edo State, stated that kidnappers who are apprehended in the state will be executed by hanging and that he is willing to sign the death warrants of those convicted.
This was revealed by Governor Okpebholo during the stakeholders’ meeting at the Uromi Town Hall, where he spoke with leaders and people of the Arewa community in Esan territory.
The Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) have enacted a measure revising the Kidnapping Prohibition Amendment Law (and Related Matters 2013).
The measure requires the forfeiture and demolition of properties used in the kidnappings, as well as the death penalty for those involved.
Governor Okpebholo said his administration will not tolerate insecurity, homicide, and kidnapping anymore in the State as he will deal ruthlessly with all criminal groups 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 Ahmed 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 governor is doing well in terms of security in the state, and the Arewa community will support his administration to ensure its success, said Alhaji Bawa Umar, chairman of Arewa in Edo Central, who also thanked the governor and the Onojie of Uromi for the restored peace.
Alhaji Isah Muhammad, chairman of the Uromi Cattle Market, thanked the governor for his handling of the Uromi incident, saying it helped to reduce 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.”
