Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has expressed his determination to see convicted kidnappers executed, declaring that he would personally witness the process if the necessary legal requirements were fulfilled.

The governor made the statement while discussing his administration’s response to kidnapping, arguing that the suffering inflicted on victims warrants stringent punishment.

In a video shared by TheCable and reported by Northern Nigeria Hub on Tuesday, Okpebholo said neither family ties nor personal relationships would influence his decision to approve execution warrants. He specifically stated that he would not spare his father if he were convicted of kidnapping.

He also cited the injuries sustained by the state’s Chief Judge during an attack by kidnappers and the psychological trauma experienced by abduction victims to explain his position.

Okpebholo disclosed that he had contacted the state Attorney-General to obtain an update on the documents required for the execution process. He further maintained that his administration would continue to pursue the cases through the appeal process.

The governor’s position comes amid the enforcement of Edo State’s Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025, which prescribes the death penalty for kidnapping offences resulting in the death of victims, while offenders whose victims survive face life imprisonment.

In September 2026, a special criminal court in the state sentenced four men to death over the abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City. The convicts were identified as Marvellous Isaac, Wisdom Michael, Rufus Emete Michael and Gift Raphael.

Okpebholo had previously announced his intention to sign the death warrants of convicted kidnappers who failed to appeal their sentences within the stipulated 30-day period.