Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has declared that he is prepared to approve the death penalty by hanging for individuals convicted of kidnapping, as part of renewed efforts to combat insecurity in the state.
The governor made the statement during the parade of suspected kidnappers and other criminal suspects in Benin City, where he also announced plans to establish a special court to expedite the trial of kidnapping and cultism cases.
According to him, the proposed court will ensure swift prosecution, with cases concluded within two to three weeks. He stated that once convictions are secured, he would personally sign off on executions in line with the law.
Okpebholo, however, cautioned criminals not to misinterpret his calm demeanor as weakness, saying, “Please don’t take my simplicity for granted,” while reiterating his resolve to clamp down on criminal networks.
He also disclosed that following a recent kidnapping incident at the Vegetable Market in Benin City, one suspect was arrested while another was killed during a security operation. He added that security agencies were intensifying efforts to track down remaining members of the gang.
The governor maintained that kidnappers, cultists, and their sponsors would have no safe haven in Edo State, stressing that anyone involved in criminal activity would be pursued, apprehended, and brought to justice.
Elijah Adeyemi
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