Uromi, Edo State | April 18, 2025 – SpringNewsNG Media Limited
In a bold and uncompromising stance against rising insecurity, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has pledged to sign death warrants for convicted kidnappers, warning that anyone found guilty of the crime will face capital punishment by hanging.

The governor made the declaration during a stakeholders’ engagement with the Arewa community at Uromi Town Hall in Esan Land, emphasizing his administration’s zero-tolerance policy on kidnapping, killings, and criminal activities across the state.

“We will not tolerate kidnappers in Edo. If you are caught and convicted, I will sign your death warrant without hesitation,” Okpebholo declared.

Edo State Passes New Anti-Kidnapping Law With Death Penalty

Governor Okpebholo’s statement follows the recent amendment of the Kidnapping Prohibition Law by the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA). The new legislation enforces the death penalty for kidnappers and empowers the state to demolish or confiscate any property used for criminal operations.

“Our laws now allow us to seize and demolish houses used by kidnappers. We’ll even convert such lands to build vigilante command centers,” the governor announced.

Security Reform: Salaried Vigilante Force to Partner With Police

As part of his administration’s holistic security reform, the governor also revealed plans to professionalize local vigilante groups, ensuring they receive proper training and monthly salaries, rather than operating as unpaid volunteers.

“We’re building a reliable security network. Vigilantes will now be trained and compensated. No more illegal uniforms or unpaid enforcers,” he said.

Okpebholo stressed that security is everyone’s responsibility, urging residents, especially non-indigenes, to cooperate with the government in flushing out criminal elements hiding within communities.

Ethnic Profiling and Market Security Measures Introduced

To further enhance community safety, the governor disclosed that the state would begin profiling individuals claiming to be from the North, particularly in areas like markets and cattle-selling locations, to ensure criminal elements do not exploit ethnic affiliations.

He also promised to invest in market fencing, installation of streetlights, and modern abattoirs, all aimed at boosting local security infrastructure.

Presidency and Traditional Rulers Commended

Governor Okpebholo lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting peace efforts in the aftermath of the Uromi crisis, saying the federal government had played a pivotal role in preventing further escalation.

“Those causing trouble in Edo are not Nigerians but foreign elements. The President is committed to restoring peace across the nation,” he noted.

Traditional and Arewa community leaders, including Alhaji Bawa Umar, chairman of the Arewa community in Edo Central, and Alhaji Isah Muhammad, chairman of the Uromi Cattle Market, praised the governor’s decisive response, which they said helped avert ethnic tension and fostered peace.