Ondo Government Approves Death Penalty for Kidnappers

The Ondo State Government has announced its approval of the death penalty for anyone convicted of kidnapping, in a decisive move to curb the rising wave of abductions across the state.

Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, made the announcement on Saturday while briefing the press after the monthly State Executive Council meeting, speaking on behalf of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Ajulo said the government was responding to the growing insecurity, particularly the surge in kidnapping cases where victims have been murdered or their families forced to pay large ransoms. He described kidnapping and cultism as grave threats to public safety and social order.

According to him, the government is strengthening its legal framework to serve as a strong deterrent to criminals. He added that a formal proposal for capital punishment for convicted kidnappers would soon be sent to the State House of Assembly for legislative approval.