The Ondo State Government has approved the death penalty for individuals convicted of kidnapping, in a move aimed at tackling the rising cases of abduction across the state.
This decision was announced by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, who addressed the press on behalf of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa after the monthly meeting of the State Executive Council held on Saturday.
Ajulo stated, “Kidnappers will be sentenced to death after conviction.”
He explained that the policy is part of broader efforts to strengthen security and protect lives within the state, especially in light of recent incidents where kidnapped victims were either killed or forced to pay heavy ransoms.
Ajulo further noted that both kidnapping and cultism have become significant threats to public safety and order. According to him, “Kidnapping and cultism have become major threats to safety and public order.”
He stressed that the government is committed to reinforcing legal measures to combat such crimes, saying, “Strengthening relevant legal frameworks would help deter such crimes and improve the overall security landscape.”
The state’s top law officer also revealed that proposals to enforce the death penalty would soon be presented to the Ondo State House of Assembly for legislative backing. He assured that the government remains resolute in its efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.
