The Nigerian Senate has adopted a resolution categorizing kidnapping as an act of terrorism and calling for amendments to the Terrorism Act to ensure the strictest punishment is applied.
The lawmakers agreed that any individual convicted of kidnapping should automatically face the death penalty once the law is revised.
The resolution was made during plenary on Wednesday.
The decision reflects growing concerns over the rising rate of abductions in the country and the urgent need for stronger deterrent measures.
“The resolution mandates that, upon conviction for kidnapping, the death penalty must be enforced,” the Senate stated.
Lawmakers emphasized that this move is aimed at curbing the menace and sending a strong warning to criminals.
Nigeria suffers from a persistent security crisis fuelled by attacks and violence by “bandit” gangs that raid villages, kill people, and kidnap for ransom.
In response to recent kidnappings and attacks by terrorists, President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday ordered a total security cordon over the forests in Kwara State.
Bandits had struck the Isapa community of the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting 11 residents.
The attack came about two weeks after and 38 worshippers were abducted from a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in the Eruku community of the state.
Terrorists also attacked St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Niger State, abducting more that 300 school children and staff in a resurgence of the mass kidnappings that have long harrowed Africa’s most populous country.
In the same week, 24 schoolgirls were taken from the Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, Danko Wasagu Local Government Area in Kebbi State, but regained freedom on Tuesday.
At least 50 taken from St Mary’s Catholic school also managed to escape, but more than 265 children and teachers are still being held.
