Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has threatened to publicly execute convicted kidnappers and cultists as part of efforts to combat violent crime in the state.
While addressing journalists during the parade of suspected kidnappers arrested by the Edo State Police Command, Okpebholo said his administration plans to establish a special court to fast-track the prosecution of kidnapping and cultism cases.
The governor said those found guilty could face public execution as a deterrent to others involved in criminal activities. “We are not joking. We are working day and night to ensure that this land is safe,” he said. “So, I want to appeal to our people, stay away from cultism and kidnapping because it will take you nowhere. Now, we are going to set up a special court to try kidnappers and cultists. 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.”
Okpebholo made the remarks while recounting a recent kidnapping incident that occurred at a market in Benin City. According to him, he immediately contacted the state Commissioner of Police and directed security agencies to track down those responsible.
The governor said the police commissioner, who was in Abuja at the time, returned to Edo State and coordinated an operation that led to the arrest of several suspects. “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,” he said. “The commissioner actually was in Abuja, but he came back to Benin City immediately. Before you know it, those guys have been caught. You can see the money and other things recovered from them. In the process, there was a gunshot, one of them died. Two are still at large. But one is here.”
The governor praised the police, military and Department of State Services (DSS) for their role in tackling insecurity, saying security agencies are intensifying efforts to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state. “You can see what is happening, that the police, army and DSS are working,” he said. “The president is putting them to work and that is why we are getting the results today. Look at the number of kidnappers that have been arrested in this land. They will never find peace in this Edo state.”
He also warned individuals involved in kidnapping or those providing support to criminal groups to desist, insisting that offenders would be identified and brought to justice. “For me, my message to them is this: 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.”
Kidnapping for ransom has become one of Nigeria’s most persistent security challenges in recent years, with criminal gangs operating across several states and targeting travellers, students, farmers and residents for abduction.