Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North Senatorial District, has thrown his weight behind the proposal by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo to impose the death penalty on convicted kidnappers and bandits in the state.
Oshiomhole made the declaration while addressing supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo.
According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, the former Edo governor commended the Okpebholo administration for restoring sanity and improving security across the state.
He said the governor was within his constitutional rights to propose legislation prescribing stiff penalties for offences under the state’s 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,” Oshiomhole said.
The senator maintained that tougher penalties were necessary to curb the rising cases of kidnapping and banditry, which have continued to threaten lives, livelihoods and economic activities in parts of the state.
He urged residents to continue supporting the state government and security agencies in their efforts to rid Edo of criminal elements.
The endorsement comes amid growing calls for stricter measures to address insecurity, particularly kidnapping for ransom, which has become a major security challenge in several parts of the country.
