The Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has vowed readiness to establish a special court to fast-track convictions of kidnappers and cultists apprehended in the state.
Governor Okpebholo revealed at the recent parade of suspected kidnappers and other criminal suspects in Benin City that his administration is ready to tackle crimes in the state.
He stated that;
Now we are going to set up a special court to try suspected kidnappers and cultists [Their cases will be] decided within two, three weeks, and we are done with it, and I will sign it.
Governor Okpebholo added that if found guilty, kidnappers and cultists will likely be sentenced to death by hanging. He noted that he is ready to sign such death warrants as a cautionary tale amid measures to tackle insecurity.
I will take you to the roundabout at ringroad so that the whole Edo people will see you, and this I will not have any regrets about,” he declared.
The Edo State Governor also warned criminals against mistaking his calm disposition for weakness. “Please don’t take my simplicity for granted,” Governor Okpebholo stressed.
Okpebholo’s statement follows the apprehension of one suspect linked to the recent kidnapping incident at the vegetable market in Benin. While one suspect was arrested, the other was killed during the operation.
Nevertheless, efforts are ongoing to apprehend other gang members.
According to the Governor, Kidnappers, cultists, and their sponsors would have no hiding place in Edo State. He emphasized that his administration will track down and bring all criminal elements to justice.
