Ondo Government Enforces Death Penalty for Convicted Kidnappers
The Ondo State Government has formally approved the immediate enforcement of the death penalty for anyone convicted of kidnapping within the state.
The decision was made public on Friday after the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The move comes in response to the alarming increase in kidnapping cases across the state and is aimed at deterring criminal elements, threatening the peace and security of residents.
The state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Charles Titiloye, confirmed the development while addressing journalists in Akure. He stated that the government is fully prepared to implement the law and will ensure that convicted kidnappers face the maximum punishment without delay.
Titiloye noted that the death penalty for kidnapping is already provided for under existing legal statutes, but the state had now resolved to strictly enforce it in light of growing insecurity.
Security agencies have been directed to intensify surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response operations across identified flashpoints. The government also called on the judiciary to expedite the prosecution of kidnapping cases to ensure swift justice.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions, with many residents expressing support for the move, while some human rights advocates urged the government to ensure that due process and fair trials are upheld in all cases.
The Ondo State Government said it remains committed to protecting lives and maintaining law and order through decisive legal and security actions.
