Security: Ondo Approves Death Penalty For Kidnappers
•••6000 Street Lamps To Be Installed
•By Admi
AKURE – In a drastic move to stamp out kidnapping and other heinous crimes, Ondo State Government has begun the process of making kidnapping a crime that attracts death penalty.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, this was stated by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa at a press briefing after the State Executive Council.
The said the process has begun to repealing the existing laws on kidnapping.
Also addressing journalists, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, said the Council discussed key security concerns and resolved to begin the process of repealing certain laws relating to kidnapping in the state.
The Senior Advocate emphasized that kidnapping and cultism have become major threats to safety and public orde in the state, noting that strengthening relevant legal frameworks would help deter such crimes and improve the overall security landscape.
He his disclosed that proposals would soon be transmitted to the state House of Assembly for necessary legislative action, including sentencing convicted kidnappers to death.
Meanwhile, the governor reiterated his commitment to ensuring peace, infrastructure development, and grassroots governance across all parts of the state.
In actualising this, the Executive Council approved the construction of two major dual carriageway road projects in the state.
The first is the construction of a 24.75-kilometre dual carriageway from Ugbeyin Junction – Okitipupa Market – OAUSTECH -Ugbonla Junction – Igbokoda Jetty.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, explained that the road would feature a 9.3-metre wide carriageway on both sides, a 1.2-metre median, concrete line drains, walkways, asphaltic shoulders in undeveloped areas, a 3-metre utility area, and solar-powered streetlights along the median.
According to him, the entire road corridor is 28 metres wide, with a total right of way of 40 metres. It will also include modern traffic lights at critical intersections and is designed to carry heavy traffic with a reinforced pavement structure.
The second project is the construction of a 6.7-kilometre dual carriageway from Supare Junction – Akungba – Ikare Road in Akoko area of the state. The specifications are similar, including a 9.3-metre carriageway on either side, 1.2-metre median, reinforced concrete line drains, walkways, a 3-metre utility area, solar-powered streetlights, and traffic management systems. It is also built to withstand heavy vehicular movement.
The Executive Council also approved the provision and installation of 6,000 standalone solar streetlights across the three senatorial districts- 2,000 each for Ondo North, Ondo Central, and Ondo South. This, according to Engr. Olawoye, is part of the state’s agenda to improve safety and public lighting infrastructure.
In the health sector, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Professor Simidele Odimayo, disclosed that a new research-based approach has been adopted to combat the spread of and eliminate Lassa fever in the state.
Moreover, Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Comrade Bola Taiwo, announced the appointment of warrant chiefs to begin the process of selecting a new Olu-Oke of Okeigbo in Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area.
According to him, the development became necessary following a court judgment which nullified the appointment of the late Babajide Lawrence Oluwole before his demise.
The Executive Council also approved a memorandum to change the title of the Yasere of Ilepepe (Ugbo) chieftaincy to Yeyere of Oriretan in Ilaje Local Government Area, following objections raised by key stakeholders in the community.
Comrade Taiwo reiterated that the Aiyedatiwa administration values traditional rulers as essential partners in governance, particularly because of their closeness to the grassroots.
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