Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has endorsed the death penalty proposed by Governor Monday Okpebholo's administration for kidnappers and bandits, declaring that convicted offenders should face execution by firing squad. Oshiomhole made the remarks on Saturday, June 27, 2026, while addressing party supporters at the flag-off of the Edo North Senatorial District local government election campaign held at the Public Field in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
Speaking before a crowd of enthusiastic supporters, Oshiomhole declared that civil liberties had been restored in Edo State under Governor Okpebholo's administration, adding that only criminals had reason to fear the state. "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," he said. Oshiomhole argued that executing convicted kidnappers would send a strong warning to criminal gangs and deter others from venturing into violent crime. "It will keep those who want to go into kidnapping in check," he declared. The senator insisted that the escalating threat of kidnapping and cult-related violence requires firm and decisive action, maintaining that the safety of law-abiding citizens must take precedence over the interests of criminals. He also reiterated his support for the creation of state police, saying it would complement the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force in tackling insecurity. Oshiomhole remains the only governor in Nigeria's Fourth Republic to have signed the execution warrant of a condemned inmate; during his tenure as Edo State governor, he authorized the execution of a convicted armed robber, distinguishing himself from other governors who, despite being constitutionally empowered to sign such warrants, have generally been unwilling to do so.
Governor Okpebholo, who was present at the rally, reiterated his administration's commitment to the development and wellbeing of Edo people, noting that several projects had been initiated across the state. He said the government had embarked on major infrastructure projects, including roads, schools and markets, aimed at improving the lives of residents. Okpebholo also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, saying the policy had increased resources available to state governments for development projects. The governor has announced plans to establish a special court to expedite the prosecution of suspected kidnappers and cultists, saying convicted offenders would face the maximum punishment prescribed by law. Speaking earlier after the parade of suspected kidnappers at the Edo State Police Command headquarters in Benin City, Okpebholo declared: "We are going to set up a special court to try kidnappers and cultists. Within two to three weeks, we will be done with it. I will sign your execution".
Edo State recently amended its anti-kidnapping law to prescribe the death penalty for convicted kidnappers. Okpebholo has repeatedly maintained that he is prepared to sign the death warrants of persons convicted under the law. The governor said his administration would continue working closely with security agencies to flush out kidnappers, cultists, and other criminal elements from Edo State, assuring residents that there would be no safe haven for those who threaten lives and property. The governor's tough rhetoric has been widely welcomed by many residents of Edo State and other Nigerians who have long demanded stronger measures against kidnapping and violent crime. However, many observers say the real test will be whether the governor follows through on his promise if and when the courts hand down death sentences, as execution warrants for condemned inmates are rarely signed by state governors across Nigeria.
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