Ebonyi Governor Seeks Death Penalty for Kidnappers, Sends Executive Bill to Assembly
By Chibuzo Obidike | IchieTimes
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has forwarded an executive bill to the State House of Assembly seeking to make kidnapping a capital offence punishable by death without an option of an alternative sentence.
The governor disclosed this on Friday during the funeral of the slain traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area, Francis Igwe, who was abducted while travelling to church on March 1 and found dead the following day.
Nwifuru said the proposed legislation was intended to serve as a deterrent to individuals planning or engaging in kidnapping, whether for political reasons or otherwise.
“This should serve as a deterrent to those planning a kidnapping, whether for political reasons or otherwise,” he said.
The governor also vowed that his administration would implement any court judgment against those arrested in connection with the traditional ruler’s murder.
He described the killing as unacceptable and expressed hope that such an incident would not happen again in Ikwo or any other part of the state.
Speaking further at the funeral, Nwifuru expressed concern over what he described as declining moral standards among young people, urging them to respect community leaders and reconsider attitudes that could undermine traditional institutions.
The late Igwe, who was the father of former Ebonyi Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe, was described by the governor as a forthright and influential leader who represented his people in the old Anambra State.
Nwifuru also credited him with attracting development projects to his community, including the Folk Technical College, which he said had produced prominent Nigerians.
Former governors Sam Egwu and Martin Elechi, alongside former Senate President Pius Anyim, paid tribute to the deceased, describing him as a statesman, peacemaker, educationist and administrator whose contributions would be remembered.
In his tribute, Kelechi Igwe described his father as a devoted family man and role model who guided him in family life, religion, politics and culture.
He said the circumstances surrounding his father’s death remained difficult for the family to comprehend but expressed confidence that his legacy would endure.
The proposed bill is expected to undergo legislative consideration before it can become law.
#IchieTimes #EbonyiNews #Kidnapping #FrancisNwifuru #Security
