Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has announced that individuals convicted of kidnapping in the state will face public execution by hanging at major roundabouts.
Speaking on Thursday during a parade of suspected criminals at the Edo State Police Command Headquarters, the governor unveiled a hardline strategy aimed at eradicating violent crime, kidnapping, and cultism.
To fast-track capital punishment for these offenses, Governor Okpebholo revealed plans to establish a specialized court dedicated exclusively to handling cases of kidnapping and cult activities.
He promised that the tribunal would fast-track the legal process, ensuring that suspects are prosecuted, tried, and sentenced within a strict two-to-three-week window. The governor emphasized that he would immediately sign death warrants upon conviction, warning criminals not to misinterpret his calm demeanor as a sign of weakness.
The administration’s aggressive policy comes amid an intensified crackdown on syndicates across Edo state communities. Addressing a recent high-profile abduction at the Vegetable Market in Benin City, Okpebholo confirmed that security forces had already neutralized one suspect during an operation, apprehended another, and are actively tracking the remaining members of the gang.
While commending and financially rewarding the police officers involved in the successful operations, the governor urged the state’s youth to steer clear of violent crimes, noting that criminal ventures ultimately lead to the forfeiture of property, imprisonment, or death.
He further called on residents to assist law enforcement by providing actionable intelligence, reiterating that his administration will not allow Edo State to become a sanctuary for criminal elements.
