HURIWA commends Gov. Okpebholo’s bold stand on kidnapping, urges Federal Government to adopt death penalty nationwide

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his decisive and uncompromising stance against the rising wave of kidnapping in the state, particularly his readiness to implement the death penalty for convicted kidnappers in line with the newly passed anti-kidnapping law.

Governor Okpebholo, while addressing stakeholders at a town hall meeting with the Arewa community in Uromi, revealed that he was fully prepared to sign death warrants for anyone convicted of kidnapping, following the recent passage of a bill by the Edo State House of Assembly prescribing capital punishment for kidnappers and mandating the demolition and confiscation of properties used in the commission of such heinous crimes.

In a strongly worded reaction on Saturday, HURIWA described the Governor’s action as “courageous, constitutionally grounded, and a welcome shift from years of political passivity toward violent crime.”

The civil rights advocacy group stated that Governor Okpebholo’s stance sends a clear and unambiguous message to criminal elements across the state that their time is up.

HURIWA noted that kidnapping has grown from a fringe criminal enterprise into a sophisticated, deadly industry that preys on vulnerable Nigerians, destabilizes communities, and weakens the economy. The group stressed that any democratically elected government must place a premium on the safety and dignity of its people—values that the Governor of Edo has now boldly championed.

“We at HURIWA commend the gallant move by Governor Monday Okpebholo to enforce the amended Edo State Kidnapping Prohibition Law, which introduces the death penalty and property forfeiture as punishments for convicted kidnappers. The governor’s decision to implement the law to its fullest extent, including demolition of properties used for criminal purposes and even public execution of convicted kidnappers as provided by the law, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to restoring law and order in Edo State,” the group stated.

Furthermore, HURIWA called on the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to initiate the process of consulting with the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for the purpose of elevating kidnapping to the status of a federal capital offence, punishable by death across the federation.

The rights group argued that the present disparity in laws across states leaves a dangerous vacuum that emboldens criminals to migrate from states with stricter laws to those with more lenient frameworks.

“To effectively combat kidnapping, we urge the Federal Government to legislate a uniform national policy that makes kidnapping a federal capital offence. This must be reinforced with a robust prosecutorial framework and the establishment of special fast-track courts dedicated to handling such cases,” HURIWA recommended.

The group also used the opportunity to call on state governors who have maintained a moratorium on the death penalty to reconsider their positions in light of the heightened insecurity across the country.

HURIWA insisted that the right to life, while sacrosanct, must not be extended as a shield to mass murderers, terrorists, and kidnappers who have repeatedly violated the right to life of innocent citizens.

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“Governors must understand that by choosing not to enforce the death penalty where the law prescribes it, they inadvertently empower criminals. The moratorium on executions must be lifted as a matter of national security. Justice must be swift, certain, and exemplary to serve as a deterrent,” HURIWA said.

The group further urged other state Houses of Assembly across Nigeria to emulate Edo State by enacting stringent anti-kidnapping laws that incorporate capital punishment and asset forfeiture.

According to HURIWA, a coordinated legal framework across all 36 states would help close the escape routes for criminal networks and facilitate better collaboration among law enforcement agencies.

The association also commended the collaborative tone of Governor Okpebholo’s stakeholder engagement, noting that inclusive governance, community dialogue, and citizen partnership are essential to winning the fight against kidnapping and insecurity.

“We were particularly encouraged by the Governor Okpebholo emphasis on community-based security, as well as his call for collective responsibility in keeping the state safe. This is not a fight for government alone. The security of lives and property is everyone’s business; traditional rulers, market leaders, vigilantes, youth groups, and religious leaders must all play a role,” HURIWA added.

In closing, the organization called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to provide strategic support to Edo State to ensure the seamless and lawful implementation of the newly amended anti-kidnapping law.

With this latest action from Edo, HURIWA believes Nigeria has been given a new blueprint in the war against kidnapping—one marked by political will, legal clarity, and moral courage.