Benin City, Nigeria – April 18, 2025
Kidnappers in Edo State will now face the death penalty by hanging, Governor Monday Okpebholo has declared. The Governor made this known during a stakeholders’ meeting with leaders of the Arewa community in Uromi, Esan land, reiterating his administration’s firm stance against crime and insecurity.
The declaration follows the recent passage of the amended Kidnapping Prohibition Law by the Edo State House of Assembly. The law prescribes capital punishment for kidnappers and mandates the demolition and seizure of properties used in the commission of kidnapping-related crimes.
“I take the issue of insecurity seriously and will not bend the rules. The new law permits us to demolish and confiscate properties linked to kidnappers. We will even use those lands to build vigilante team offices,” the Governor said.
He emphasized that convicted kidnappers will be publicly executed as a deterrent, stating he would not hesitate to sign death warrants in line with the law.
In a move to bolster local security, Governor Okpebholo announced plans to recruit members of the state’s vigilante groups into the civil service. Unlike in the past, he said, these vigilantes will now receive proper training and monthly salaries to enable them to effectively work alongside security agencies in combating crime.
“We will no longer tolerate a system where people just wear uniforms and call themselves security. We will employ them, train them, and pay them to do the job right,” he added.
The Governor also called for collaboration among residents to ensure a safer Edo State, stressing that security should not be left solely to the government or security agencies.
He further promised to fence markets, install streetlights, and build proper abattoirs to enhance security and hygiene, particularly in areas with large Northern populations.
Governor Okpebholo praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support during the recent crisis in Uromi, noting that many perpetrators of violence in the region are foreign nationals, not Nigerians.
Leaders of the Arewa community in Edo Central expressed appreciation for the Governor’s handling of the Uromi incident, which they said helped de-escalate tensions.
Alhaji Bawa Umar, Chairman of the Arewa community, and Alhaji Isah Muhammad, head of the Uromi Cattle Market, commended the Governor’s leadership and promised their support in promoting peace and security.
Retired General Cecil Esekhaigbe also urged the Arewa leaders to establish a comprehensive database of their members to improve accountability and security monitoring.
The Governor’s strong stance is seen as part of a broader strategy to secure lives and property in Edo State amidst growing concerns over rising crime and insecurity.
Signed:
Fred Itua
Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor
April 18, 2025
