The Ondo State Government has disclosed that persons convicted of kidnapping in the state will henceforth face the death penalty in order to strengthen security and ensure the safety of residents across the state.

While assuring that the proposal, as well as other legal frameworks, would soon be transmitted to the House of Assembly for necessary legislative action, the state government expressed concern over the kidnapping menace in the state.

This was disclosed by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), during a press briefing held at the weekend following the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the Governor’s Office in Akure, the state capital.

Ajulo emphasised that the council discussed key security concerns and resolved to begin the process of repealing certain laws relating to kidnapping in the state.

The chief legal officer also noted that kidnapping and cultism have become major threats to safety and public order, adding that strengthening relevant legal frameworks would help deter such crimes and improve the overall security landscape.

Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Abiola Olawoye, revealed that the Executive Council approved the construction of two major dual carriageway road projects in the state.

Olawoye maintained that the first is the construction of a 24.75-kilometre dual carriageway from Ugbeyin Junction to Okitipupa Market to OAUSTECH to Ugbonla Junction to Igbokoda Jetty.

He said, “The road will feature a 9.3-metre wide carriageway on both sides, a 1.2-metre median, concrete line drains, walkways, asphaltic shoulders in undeveloped areas, a 3-metre utility area, and solar-powered streetlights along the median.

“The entire road corridor is 28 metres wide, with a total right of way of 40 metres. It will also include modern traffic lights at critical intersections and is designed to carry heavy traffic with a reinforced pavement structure.

“The second project is the construction of a 6.7-kilometre dual carriageway from Supare Junction – Akungba – Ikare Road in the Akoko area of the state. The specifications are similar, including a 9.3-metre carriageway on either side, a 1.2-metre median, reinforced concrete line drains, walkways, a 3-metre utility area, solar-powered streetlights, and traffic management systems. It is also built to withstand heavy vehicular movement.”

“In addition to these, the Council approved the provision and installation of 6,000 standalone solar streetlights across the three senatorial districts—2,000 each for Ondo North, Ondo Central, and Ondo South.”

In the health sector, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, also spoke on efforts to combat the spread of Lassa fever in the state, saying that a new research-based approach has been adopted to eliminate the disease.

On traditional institutions, Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Comrade Bola Taiwo, announced the appointment of warrant chiefs to begin the process of selecting a new Olu-Oke of Okeigbo in Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area.