Ekiti monarchs demand harsher penalties for kidnappers, renew call for state police
By Boye Oyeyemi
Traditional rulers in Ekiti State have urged the Federal Government to strengthen laws against kidnapping by introducing stiffer sanctions for perpetrators and their accomplices.
The appeal was made on Saturday by the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, during a meeting with Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, who was on a one-day working visit to the state.
The monarch, on behalf of his contemporaries, also renewed calls for the establishment of state police, saying the move would enhance security operations and help state governments tackle criminal activities more effectively.
Oba Adu Alagbado further expressed concern over the persistent cases of kidnapping and insecurity across the country, describing the trend as a major threat to public safety.
He also stressed that individuals who provide support, information or logistics to kidnappers should be subjected to severe punishment alongside the criminals themselves.
According to the traditional ruler, kidnapping has continued for too long, making it necessary for the government to review existing laws and ensure stronger penalties for offenders and their collaborators.
Responding, Oluremi Tinubu assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu remained committed to improving the nation’s security through both domestic initiatives and international cooperation.
She said the Federal Government was working closely with countries including the United States to combat terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, noting that some of those involved in such crimes were foreign nationals.
