With kidnappings and violent crimes threatening the safety of citizens, Edo State Government has unleashed its fangs, sending a clear message to criminals: Edo is no longer a haven for lawlessness. This drastic measure marks a turning point in the state’s fight against insecurity, promising ruthless consequences for those who dare to terrorize its people. Will this be the end of kidnapping in Edo?
Governor Monday Okpebholo has issued an uncompromising warning to kidnappers and all notorious criminals operating within Edo State, along with their accomplices: their reign of terror has reached its end. The penalty for any life-threatening crime will be severe- either death or life imprisonment. Edo State shall no longer be held captive by the depravity of these lawless gangs, who have profited from the suffering of innocent citizens. This marks the dawn of a new era in Edo, one of justice and unyielding resolve, and the Governor stands unwavering in his commitment to uphold it.
Edo State recently enacted one of Nigeria’s strictest anti kidnapping laws, introducing severe penalties, including the death penalty and life imprisonment, in a decisive move to combat rising abductions.
The Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025, signed by Governor Monday Okpebholo and passed by the Edo State House of Assembly, significantly toughens punishments for kidnappers, their accomplices, and those who aid them.
Under the new law, kidnappers whose actions result in the death of a victim will face execution, while those whose victims survive will be sentenced to life in prison. The legislation also imposes a minimum 21-year jail term for anyone who assists, plans, or attempts to carry out a kidnapping, targeting the entire network that enables the crime.
In the provision, the law now holds persons who provide hideouts, logistics, or shelter to kidnappers accountable, with a mandatory 14-year prison sentence, even if they did not directly participate in the abduction. This aims to dismantle the support systems that allow kidnappings to thrive.
The definition of kidnapping has also been expanded to include confining someone through threats or deception, regardless of how long the detention lasts. This change addresses evolving criminal tactics beyond traditional hostage-taking.
To disrupt the financial incentives behind kidnappings, the law bans ransom negotiations entirely. Anyone involved in paying, receiving, or facilitating ransom payments, including victims’ families, now risks prosecution. Additionally, properties acquired with ransom money will be seized.
Recognising the fear faced by witnesses, the law includes protections to ensure their safety and confidentiality during trials, encouraging more people to come forward.
The reforms follow widespread demands for stronger action against kidnappings, which have disrupted lives, businesses, and security in Edo State. The government says the law reflects its commitment to restoring public safety and trust in the justice system.
The government has planned to train law enforcement, educate the judiciary, and raise public awareness to ensure the law’s effectiveness. The measures mark Edo State’s strongest stance yet against a crime that has long plagued the region.
While addressing some youths who organised a peaceful rally in government house recently, Governor Okpebholo assured them that his administration values the lives of every Edo citizen and is committed to protecting all residents from the scourge of cultism.
He reflected on his own journey, stating that if his life had not been safeguarded in his youth, he would not have become governor. Therefore, his administration is duty-bound to prevent further loss of lives to cult-related violence.
“We must save our land. Cultism must stop in Edo State because if I was killed by cultists as a youth, I would not have become the governor of Edo State today.
“Every Edo blood matters to us as an administration, and no matter the intimidation, they will not stop me as the fight against cultism is total. We must continue to fight until we stop cultism in Edo State”, the Governor said.
The government’s resolute intervention comes at a critical juncture, as unchecked criminality and cult-related violence have brought Edo State perilously close to utter lawlessness. The social fabric has frayed to such an extent that ethical standards have been dangerously eroded, with many regarding illicit activities as an acceptable means of livelihood. Parental negligence has exacerbated this decline, as guardians increasingly neglect their fundamental duty to instil moral values in the younger generation.
This bold initiative could not be more timely. However, the path to restoration remains fraught with challenges, given the sophisticated networks and entrenched influence wielded by these criminal syndicates. While the government’s determination is commendable, one must ponder whether these measures alone can dismantle such deeply rooted systems of illegality. The stakes could scarcely be higher for Edo’s future.
Discussion about this post