Ebonyi Governor threatens to sign death warrants of convicted kidnappers

Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, on Thursday said he would readily sign the death warrant of any kidnapper convicted in the state.

The governor said this in Abakaliki in his address to mark the 55th anniversary of the country and the 19th year celebration of the state’s creation.

“The incidences of kidnapping in the state is worrisome as it leaves psychological trauma on victims and their relatives,” Mr. Umahi said.

“I will readily sign the death warrant of any convicted kidnapper without wasting time without bothering on if it involves a high profile person or not.”

He recalled that the House of Assembly passed law on kidnapping in the state which stipulated capital punishment for convicted offenders.

The governor warned all owners of uncompleted buildings in the state to keep them clean and ensure that they were guarded.

“Any uncompleted building that houses kidnap victims or accessories would be demolished within 24 hours of discovery of such activities,” he said.

Mr. Umahi also granted state pardon to eight convicted prisoners in the state in the spirit of the dual celebrations.

“I am directing the state committee on prerogative of mercy to monitor the conduct of the pardoned persons and ensure they are responsible,” the governor said.

He also enjoined the committee to ensure the beneficiaries did not commit crimes any longer.

The governor reiterated his readiness to lift the face of the capital city through road rehabilitation and reconstruction and to ensure that at least 1,000 Ebonyi youths would be provided with training opportunities before the end of this month.

The first civilian governor of the state and senator representing Ebonyi North zone in the Senate, Sam Egwu, urged Ebonyi people to unite and cooperate with their leaders.

“This is to realise the aims of the state’s founding fathers while thanking the former leaders of the state, especially its first Military Administrator, Rtd. Commodore Walter Ferghabo for their contributions to develop the state,” Mr. Egwu said.