Any kidnapper caught in Edo will be hanged to death

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has declared that convicted kidnappers in the state will face the death penalty, specifically by hanging.

The Governor disclosed this at the stakeholders’ session at the Uromi Town Hall on Friday, April 18, 2025, expressing his readiness to sign the death warrant of convicts.

The meeting served as an interactive session between the Governor and leaders and members of the Arewa community in Esan land following the recent gruesome murder of 16 travelling Kano hunters.

According to Okpebholo, the Edo State House of Assembly has passed a bill amending the Kidnapping Prohibition Act (and Related Matters) 2013.

He explained that the bill prescribes the death penalty for kidnappers and mandates the confiscation and demolition of properties used in the commission of their crimes.

ALSO READ: Uromi Killings: Okpebholo suspends security chief, illegal vigilante groups

The Governor, who read the riot act, said his administration will not tolerate killing, insecurity, and kidnapping anymore, promising to 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 was quoted in a statement signed by his Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Friday, April 18, 2025.

Okpebholo seeks stakeholders’ support

Okpebholo appealed to all stakeholders to collaborate with his administration to secure Edo State amid the recent rise in kidnapping incidents, which has raised concerns among residents.

“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.

ALSO READ: Okpebholo praised for firm response to security challenges in Edo

“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 addressing 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.”

He stressed that President Bola Tinubu loves the North and has been very supportive to ensure that the Uromi killing didn’t degenerate into more destruction.