In a decisive move to tackle the rising wave of insecurity, the Ondo State Government has approved the implementation of the death penalty for individuals convicted of kidnapping.
This was disclosed by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, on Saturday, shortly after the monthly meeting of the State Executive Council held in Akure.
Ajulo, who spoke on behalf of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said the state government resolved to introduce the capital punishment as a deterrent against what he described as the “menace of kidnapping and cultism” that has increasingly endangered the lives of residents.
“This administration will no longer tolerate the criminal activities of kidnappers and cultists. The government has approved the death penalty for kidnapping and is committed to amending the relevant laws to ensure strict enforcement,” Ajulo stated.
He added that legislative proposals would soon be forwarded to the Ondo State House of Assembly to give legal backing to the new policy and facilitate the review of existing criminal laws.
Ajulo noted that the spate of abductions in the state had reached an alarming level, with several victims either killed or subjected to traumatic ordeals despite payment of ransoms.
He stressed that the government could no longer stand by while residents live in fear.
The legal chief explained that strengthening the criminal justice system and adopting stiffer penalties would send a strong warning to criminal elements threatening public peace.
Ondo State has witnessed a surge in kidnapping incidents in recent months, including attacks on farmers, commuters, and schoolchildren.
Civil society groups and community leaders have repeatedly called on the government to take tougher measures to restore security and protect vulnerable populations.
If passed by the House of Assembly, the new law will place Ondo among the growing number of Nigerian states adopting capital punishment to combat kidnapping and violent crimes.
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