Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has vowed that anyone convicted of kidnapping in the State will be publicly executed by hanging at designated roundabouts, declaring that the punishment will serve as a warning to others involved in violent crimes.
The Governor made the declaration on Thursday while addressing journalists and security personnel during the parade of suspected kidnappers and other criminal suspects at the Edo State Police Command Headquarters in Benin City.
Okpebholo also disclosed plans to establish a special court to fast-track the prosecution of kidnapping and cultism cases, saying trials would be concluded within two to three weeks before convicted offenders are made to face the full weight of the law.
“Now we are going to set up a special court to try suspected kidnappers and cultists and decide within two, three weeks we are done with it, and I will sign it. The execution — hang him. I will take you to the roundabout so that the whole Edo people will see you, and this I will not have any regrets about,” the Governor said.
He warned criminal elements not to mistake his calm disposition for weakness.
“Please don’t take my simplicity for granted,” he added.
The Governor’s remarks come amid intensified efforts by the Edo State Government and security agencies to tackle kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes across the State.
Speaking on the recent kidnapping incident at the Vegetable Market in Benin City, Okpebholo said he immediately directed security agencies to track down those responsible.
According to him, one suspect linked to the incident has been arrested, while another was killed during a security operation.
“Following the kidnapping incident at the Vegetable Market in Benin City, I directed security agencies to go after the perpetrators. I am pleased that one suspect has been arrested, another was neutralised during the operation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the gang,” he said.
Reaffirming his administration’s resolve to rid the State of criminal gangs, the Governor said kidnappers would no longer find Edo a safe haven.
“Look at the number of kidnappers that have been arrested. They will never find peace in Edo State. They will not settle here.
“For me, my message to them is simple: whoever has such a mind to kidnap should know that you cannot do it and go free. There is no crime that will be committed in Edo State and such a person will not be arrested.
“Whoever is supporting you or aiding you to do it should stop because we are ready for you. We are not joking. We are not sleeping. Day and night, security agencies are working to make sure that this land is safe,” he said.
Okpebholo also appealed to young people to stay away from cultism and kidnapping, warning that crime would only lead to imprisonment, loss of property and, ultimately, death.
“I want to appeal to our people to stay away from cultism and kidnapping because it will take you nowhere. When you kidnap, what you have you will lose, and at the same time you will lose your life,” he said.
The Governor commended police officers involved in the operation that led to the arrest of the suspects, describing them as professional and courageous. He also rewarded the officers and pledged continued support for security agencies working to protect lives and property across Edo State.
“Let me be clear: Edo State will not be a safe haven for kidnappers, cultists and other criminals. We are taking decisive steps to strengthen our justice system and ensure that anyone found guilty of these heinous crimes faces the full weight of the law,” he added.
He further urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing useful intelligence to security agencies, stressing that collaboration between citizens and law enforcement remains essential in the fight against crime.
