Ondo Government Approves Death Sentence for Kidnappers to Curb Rising Insecurity

|By Adejumo Adekunle-

-Ondo Government Declares War on Kidnapping with Capital Punishment Policy
–Convicted Kidnappers to Face Death Sentence as State Moves to Secure Lives

The Ondo State Government has approved the death penalty for individuals convicted of kidnapping, in a decisive move to curb rising insecurity and restore law and order across the state.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, made the announcement on Saturday while addressing the press after the monthly State Executive Council meeting, on behalf of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Ajulo disclosed that the new legal measure targets the growing threat of kidnapping and cultism, which have in recent times terrorised communities and led to the loss of innocent lives, despite large ransoms paid by victims’ families.

“The State Executive Council has agreed that anyone convicted of kidnapping will face the death penalty. This is part of our firm resolve to end the culture of fear and lawlessness in Ondo,” Ajulo stated.

The Commissioner added that legal frameworks will be strengthened and legislative proposals will soon be transmitted to the Ondo State House of Assembly for passage into law.

Ajulo further stressed that the law is not just punitive but intended as a deterrent, to send a clear message to criminals and reassure citizens of the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

“Kidnapping and cultism have become serious threats to public safety. We will not fold our arms while innocent people are attacked, abducted, and murdered. We are determined to use every legal tool to secure our state,” he said.

Ondo State, like many parts of Nigeria, has faced a disturbing uptick in kidnapping cases, particularly along major highways and remote communities. The state’s new stand reflects a growing demand for tougher penalties against violent crime, as citizens continue to live in fear.