Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has thrown his weight behind a proposal to impose the death penalty on convicted kidnappers and bandits, describing the measure as a necessary step to combat the worsening security situation in Edo State.
Oshiomhole expressed support for the proposed legislation amid growing concerns over the increasing incidents of kidnapping, armed attacks and banditry across parts of the state. He argued that tougher penalties are needed to serve as a deterrent and protect residents from violent criminal activities.
According to the former governor, the rise in kidnappings has created fear among communities, disrupted economic activities and placed immense pressure on families forced to pay ransom for the release of loved ones. He maintained that criminals who engage in such acts should face the full weight of the law.
The proposed legislation seeks to introduce capital punishment for individuals convicted of kidnapping and banditry in Edo State. Supporters of the bill believe harsher sanctions could discourage criminal activities and strengthen the state’s response to insecurity.
Oshiomhole said governments at all levels have a constitutional responsibility to safeguard the lives and property of citizens, stressing that extraordinary security challenges may require more stringent legal measures.
He also called for stronger collaboration between security agencies, local communities and traditional institutions to improve intelligence gathering and enhance efforts to tackle criminal networks operating across the state.
The proposal comes as several communities in Edo have witnessed repeated cases of abductions involving commuters, farmers, business owners and residents, prompting renewed calls for decisive government action to restore public confidence and improve security.
While supporters of the proposed death penalty argue that it would send a strong message to criminal groups and serve as a powerful deterrent, critics have questioned whether capital punishment alone would address the underlying causes of insecurity. They contend that strengthening policing, improving intelligence, accelerating criminal prosecutions and addressing socio-economic challenges are equally important in combating violent crime.
The debate has reignited broader discussions about the effectiveness of the death penalty as a crime-control measure in Nigeria. Legal experts and human rights advocates have long maintained differing views on whether capital punishment reduces criminality, with some calling for comprehensive reforms to the criminal justice system instead.
If enacted, the proposed law would represent one of the toughest legal responses to kidnapping and banditry in Edo State, reflecting the growing urgency among policymakers to confront the persistent security challenges affecting residents.
As deliberations on the proposal continue, stakeholders are expected to closely monitor its progress, with many Nigerians hoping that whatever measures are ultimately adopted will contribute to reducing violent crime and improving public safety across the state.
