Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, said kidnappers caught in the state will face the death penalty, specifically by hanging, expressing readiness to sign the death warrants of convicts.

Okpebholo disclosed this at the stakeholders’ session at the Uromi Town Hall, where he had an interactive session with leaders and members of the Arewa community in Esan land.

He noted that the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) had passed a bill amending the Kidnapping Prohibition Amendment Law (and Related Matters 2013).

The bill, he said, prescribes the death penalty for kidnappers and mandates the confiscation and demolition of properties used in the commission of their crimes.

Okpebholo said his administration will not tolerate insecurity, killing, and kidnapping anymore in the State as he will 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 stated.

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.”

Chairman of Uromi Cattle market, Isah Muhammad, thanked the Governor for the way he handled the Uromi incident which he said helped to bring down the tension in the area.

On his part, 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 into criminal activities.”