Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has declared a hardline stance against kidnapping, promising that convicted kidnappers will be executed publicly in accordance with a new state law. He also pledged to sign all death warrants without hesitation.
Speaking during a meeting with leaders of the Arewa community in Uromi, Esan land, the governor emphasized that his administration would use every legal means to stamp out insecurity.
“I take the issue of insecurity seriously and will not bend the rules but apply them strictly,” Okpebholo said. “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.”
The governor explained that the Edo State House of Assembly had recently passed a law prescribing the death penalty for kidnapping, as well as authorizing the demolition and seizure of properties used in carrying out such crimes.
“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,” he added.
Okpebholo also unveiled plans to professionalize local vigilante groups by paying them salaries and training them to collaborate with official security agencies.
“We are going to employ vigilante teams and pay them salaries… These people will work with security agencies, and they will be trained on how to fight crimes and handle criminals,” he said. “I will not wait until campaign time to solve your problems.”
He stressed the importance of community involvement in tackling insecurity, urging local residents to help identify outsiders who might be threats.
“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,” he said.
The governor also thanked President Bola Tinubu for intervening swiftly to prevent further violence during a recent crisis in Uromi.
“Those destroying the land, causing problems are not even from Nigeria. They are foreigners, but the president has vowed to bring peace to Nigeria,” Okpebholo noted.
In response, Arewa community leaders expressed their support. Bawa Umar, Chairman of the Arewa community in Edo Central, praised the governor for restoring peace. Isah Muhammad, head of the Uromi cattle market, credited Okpebholo’s swift action with defusing tensions.
Retired General Cecil Esekhaigbe also urged the Arewa leaders to maintain a database of their members to aid accountability and prevent infiltration by criminal elements.
“I appeal to the Arewa community to ensure they have a database… and monitor their activities to ensure they are not criminal,” he said.
