Bill recommending death penalty for kidnappers pass 2nd reading in Edo

The Edo State House of Assembly are considering passing a bill seeking to prohibit kidnapping and other matters connected to it with an option for the death penalty for convicted kidnappers and the bill has passed through its second reading, new reports say.

Minority Whip of the state legislature, Kingsley Ehigiamusor, who sponsored the bill said that if approved, the new law would prohibit the act of kidnapping in the state, adding that measures should be put in place to protect the lives of the citizens living in the state.

He also believed it would eradicate insecurity in the state and protect the society.

According to reports, the bill was supported by other lawmakers, including Victor Edoror, Paul Ohonbamu, Elizabeth Ativie, Paul Osayimwen and Abdulrazaq Momoh who all condemned the act of kidnapping and described it as an evil occupation, which the youths engage in for quick money.

They lamented that the act of kidnapping had risen to an alarming proportion in the state, adding that the unique thing about the bill was that it seeks to proscribe penalties for those who engage in the act and those who facilitate same, Vanguard reports.

Speaker of the House, Uyi Igbe, agreed with the lawmakers adding that the bill was aimed at tackling insecurity in Edo state.

Reports say the bill has now been referred to the House Standing Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for fine-tuning before its submitted to the House for consideration within 24 hours.