Oshiomhole backs death penalty for kidnappers, bandits in Edo

Oshiomhole backs death penalty for kidnappers, bandits in Edo

Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, has endorsed Governor Monday Okpebholo’s proposal to impose the death penalty on convicted kidnappers and bandits, describing the measure as a decisive response to rising insecurity in Edo State.

Speaking at the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Edo North Senatorial District campaign for the July 11 local government elections in Auchi, Oshiomhole said states have the constitutional authority to enact laws prescribing punishments for offences within their jurisdiction.

“I stand here to completely endorse the declaration by the governor of Edo State that we are in a federation where every state has the right to enact laws on punishment when it comes to state offences. So kidnappers and bandits will be punished by death through firing squad,” the senator declared.

The former governor argued that the Okpebholo administration had restored confidence in governance and strengthened security efforts across the state, stressing that law-abiding residents had nothing to fear.

He also reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, saying decentralised policing would strengthen the country’s security architecture and complement the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force in tackling kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes.

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The endorsement comes as the Edo State Government intensifies efforts to curb violent crime through tougher legislation and improved security measures amid growing concerns over kidnappings and attacks in parts of the state.

Governor Monday Okpebholo, while addressing party supporters, said his administration remained focused on improving the welfare of Edo residents through sustained investments in infrastructure and public services.

According to the governor, the state has embarked on major projects, including the construction and rehabilitation of roads, schools and markets, aimed at improving living standards and boosting economic activities.

“We have embarked on massive infrastructural development in the state, including roads, schools, markets and others. These achievements were not there in the past, but this administration has made them possible,” Okpebholo said.

The governor also defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, saying the policy had significantly increased funds available to state governments for development.

“The removal of fuel subsidy has provided more funds for governors across the country to develop their states. This is the money we are using as a government to develop Edo State through massive road construction, schools and other infrastructure projects,” he added.

Okpebholo said the APC campaign offered an opportunity to formally present the party’s chairmanship and councillorship candidates to voters ahead of the July 11 local government election.

He urged party members to mobilise support for APC candidates and work towards delivering what he described as 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

The governor further commended the rehabilitation of the Auchi-Ekpoma-Benin Road, describing it as one of the key infrastructure achievements of the Tinubu administration.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, urged APC candidates to prioritise grassroots development and ensure residents across Edo State’s 18 local government areas benefited from democratic governance.

“This election is a major step towards the 2027 general election in the country. I thank the leadership of the party for building a strong party in Edo State,” Momoh said.

On his part, Edo APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe called on the party’s candidates to emulate the state’s founding leaders by prioritising development, accountability and effective service delivery at the grassroots.

He described local government administration as the closest level of government to the people and urged incoming council officials to work closely with Governor Okpebholo in extending development projects to communities across the state.

The campaign rally was attended by Deputy APC State Chairman Sylvester Aigboboh, senior government officials, party leaders and supporters, who rallied behind the party’s candidates ahead of the July 11 local government election.

The proposed death penalty for convicted kidnappers has generated national debate, with supporters arguing that stricter penalties could deter violent crime, while critics continue to advocate approaches that balance public safety with constitutional safeguards and human rights protections.

Oshiomhole backs death penalty for kidnappers, bandits in Edo