‎

‎BY AHMED AKANBI

‎

‎The Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria (MMWG) has commended the Edo State Judiciary for Monday’s death sentence on four kidnappers who abducted a woman in June along Airport Road, Benin City.

‎

‎In a statement issued in Abuja Wednesday, its National Coordinator, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim, described the judgment by Hon. Justice Aigbona Terry Momodu as well-deserved at a time killings and abductions persist nationwide.

‎

‎He noted that over 800 persons have been abducted in recent months across Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Borno, Niger, Plateau, Benue, Kwara and Kogi States, among others.

‎

‎Ibrahim specially commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for enacting the law that prescribes capital punishment for kidnapping and abduction in Edo State.

‎

‎He called on other governors yet to enact similar laws to do so urgently to curb insecurity.

‎

‎The human resources expert and media professional also urged governors to act in line with their oath of office and not grant undue favours after the judiciary has discharged its duties.

‎

‎He criticised governors who have refused to assent to death warrants of convicts who have exhausted appeals up to the Supreme Court.

‎

‎According to him, failure to execute past death sentences has emboldened criminals and worsened violent crimes in Nigeria.

‎

‎The group commended Justice Momodu for the speedy trial and expressed confidence that Governor Okpebholo will sign the death warrants as promised to rid the state of violent crime.

‎

‎On national insecurity, MMWG appealed to the military and security agencies to replicate the Oyo State synergy that freed captives and rescue all persons in captivity before the end of October.

‎

‎It said clearing the backlog of kidnapped victims is necessary to create a peaceful atmosphere ahead of preparations for the general elections.

‎

‎
‎

‎