Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has stated that capital punishment awaits anyone found culpable of kidnapping in the state.

He said his administration would in due course send a bill to the State House of Assembly for legislative action on this.

Abiodun said this on Monday while playing host to League of Imams who paid in a Sallah visit at his country home, Iperu-Remo.

The governor described kidnapping as an economic crime that must be checkmated in the overall interest of the state and country.

Abiodun noted that most of these kidnappers are foreigners who disguise as herdsmen, submitting that such heinous crime would not be allowed to thrive in the state, regarded as an industrial hub of the nation.

“We do not want criminals to cause problems for us. The state hosts a lot of companies and industries. It will not augur well to hear that criminality is prevalent in our state.

“I have asked that those who were caught in the recent kidnappings in the state be brought to me. I will warn them because the government will not spare anyone caught in kidnapping henceforth”, he said.

He called on religious leaders to be committed at ensuring that peace and unity reign in the State, and take the issue of security seriously

The Governor acknowledged Eid el-Kabir as the first religious celebration since he assumed office, calling on adherents of different religions to live in peace with one another

He admonished the people to reflect on the lessons of Sallah, adding that “Prophet Ibrahim exhibited unparalleled and uncommon faith that has continue to resonate in our heat.”

While calling for continued support and prayers, Abiodun promised to be fair to all irrespective of political or religious affiliations and run the State according to the dictate of the law.

In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Remoland, Sheik Junaid Abdukadiri, said the election of the Governor was a testimony that God is not a man and that He will always will be done. (Nigerian Tribune)

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