Ondo Govt approves death penalty for kidnappers

The Ondo State Government has approved the death sentence as punishment for anyone convicted of kidnapping within the state.

The decision was announced by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, who spoke on behalf of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa after the monthly meeting of the State Executive Council held on Saturday.

Dr. Ajulo stated that the approval is part of broader efforts to address the growing security challenges in the state, particularly the surge in kidnapping cases. He noted that many victims had either been killed or released after the payment of huge ransoms, prompting urgent government intervention.

“The rising cases of kidnapping and cultism are serious threats to public safety and order. This new measure is to send a strong warning and act as a deterrent to those who threaten the peace of our communities,” Ajulo said.

He further disclosed that the government is working on strengthening existing legal frameworks, and proposals would soon be sent to the Ondo State House of Assembly for necessary legislative backing.

Once passed, the new law will make it mandatory for convicted kidnappers to face the death penalty.