ICYMI: Kidnappers Arrested, Convicted in Edo Will Be Hanged, Okpebholo Warns

Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo, has threatened to publicly execute convicted kidnappers and cultists as part of efforts to rid the state of violent crimes.

Okpebholo spoke on Thursday while addressing journalists during the parade of suspected kidnappers arrested by operatives of the Edo state police command.

The governor said his administration would set up a special court for trial and public execution of criminals to serve as a deterrent.

“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.”

The governor referenced a kidnapping incident at a market in the state capital last Sunday.

Okpebholo said he immediately contacted the state’s commissioner of police after the incident and directed that those responsible be arrested.

According to him, the police commissioner, who was in Abuja when the incident occurred, returned immediately to Benin City and coordinated efforts that led to the arrest of the suspects.

The governor said security operatives subsequently tracked the suspects to their hideout, killing one during an exchange of gunfire and arresting another, while two others escaped.

“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.”

Okpebholo commended the police, military and Department of State Services (DSS) for their efforts in tackling insecurity in 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.

“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.”

There has been an uptick in kidnapping for ransom across Nigeria in the last decade.