In a stark warning to violent criminals, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has declared that convicted kidnappers and cultists will face public execution by hanging as part of his administration's zero-tolerance approach to rising insecurity.
The governor made the announcement while addressing journalists during a parade of suspected kidnappers arrested by the Edo State Police Command. Okpebholo revealed plans to establish a special court to fast-track the prosecution of kidnapping and cultism cases, with convicted offenders facing the ultimate penalty.
"We are not joking," Okpebholo stated firmly. "We are working day and night to ensure that this land is safe. I want to appeal to our people, stay away from cultism and kidnapping because it will take you nowhere."
The governor outlined a timeline for the special court's establishment, saying, "Within two to three weeks, we would be done with it. And I will sign it. For your execution and hanging, I will take you to the Ring Road roundabout, so that the whole Edo people will see you. And I would not have any regrets about this. So please, don't take my simplicity for granted."
Recent Kidnapping Incident Sparks Action
Okpebholo's warning comes in the wake of a recent kidnapping incident at a market in Benin City. According to the governor, he immediately contacted the state Commissioner of Police, who was in Abuja at the time, directing security agencies to track down those responsible.
"Something very terrible happened on Sunday and I called the Commissioner of Police. And I told him that whoever committed that crime of kidnapping inside Benin City must be arrested," Okpebholo recounted.
The commissioner returned to Benin City immediately and coordinated an operation that led to several arrests. The governor noted that during the operation, "there was a gunshot, one of them died. Two are still at large. But one is here."
Security Forces Receive Praise
Governor Okpebholo commended the collaborative efforts of the police, military, and Department of State Services (DSS) in tackling insecurity across the state.
"You can see what is happening, that the police, army and DSS are working. The president is putting them to work and that is why we are getting the results today," he said. "Look at the number of kidnappers that have been arrested in this land. They will never find peace in this Edo state."
The governor issued a stern warning to anyone contemplating criminal activities or providing support to kidnappers: "whoever has such mind to kidnap, know that you cannot do it and go scot-free. No crime that will be committed in Edo state that such a person would not be arrested. Whoever is supporting or aiding you to do it, please, you have to stop because we are ready for you."
Broader Context
The governor's tough stance reflects growing concerns over kidnapping for ransom, which has become one of Nigeria's most persistent security challenges. Criminal gangs have been operating across several states, targeting travellers, students, farmers, and residents for abduction.
This development in Edo State signals a potentially significant shift in the approach to violent crime, with the proposed special court and public executions representing one of the most severe deterrence measures announced by a state government in recent times.
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