Senate Advocates Death Penalty for Kidnappers

The Senate on Wednesday took a strong stance against Nigeria’s escalating insecurity, declaring kidnapping a form of terrorism and recommending the death penalty for offenders, with no option for fines or judicial reduction of sentences.

The resolution followed hours of intense debate triggered by the November 18 attack on Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, where gunmen killed two worshippers and abducted 38 others.

Although all victims were later rescued in joint operations involving the army, police, DSS agents, and local vigilantes, lawmakers warned that the incident exposed the southward spread of insurgent activity and the fragile state of rural security.

The decisions stemmed from a motion by Senator Yisa Ashiru (Kwara South) titled “Urgent Need to Address Escalating Insecurity in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger States and Strengthen National Security Frameworks.” The motion sparked discussions on attacks targeting schools, places of worship, highways, and communities. Senators noted that repeated school abductions had forced closures across Kebbi, Niger, five LGAs in Kwara, and all 47 Federal Unity Colleges.

Senator Issa Jibrin (Kogi East) highlighted Nigeria’s critical security manpower deficit, noting that total personnel in the military, police, and paramilitary services “do not total one million,” compared to Egypt’s 1.5 million. He called for urgent equipment upgrades, improved intelligence coordination, and a reserve force to support overstretched troops. Other senators raised concerns over the encroachment of banditry toward Osun through Ekiti-linked communities, areas recently affected by the killings of a retired Army General and a traditional ruler.

Lawmakers also blamed poor road networks, which allow criminals to escape easily, urging the Federal Ministry of Works to immediately begin reconstruction of the Idofian–Omu-Aran–Eruku–Egbe–Kabba corridor.

Given the rise in brutality and ransom-driven networks, senators resolved that kidnapping constitutes terrorism and must attract the severest punishment. “Capital punishment must apply,” several lawmakers insisted, adding that judges should not have the discretion to reduce sentences for convicted kidnappers.

The Senate further urged President Bola Tinubu to enhance the nation’s security architecture. Senator Ali Ndume cautioned that such language should be interpreted carefully, following the recent confirmation of service chiefs. The chamber clarified that its focus is on improving coordination, technology, intelligence, and rapid deployment.

In a rare move, the Senate dissolved its Committee on National Security and Intelligence and its Committee on Air Force, directing all other security-related committees to submit written oversight reports and brief the chamber behind closed doors within one week. Lawmakers also moved to strengthen federally supported vigilante groups and called for a review of firearms laws to allow controlled arming of responsible citizens.

Earlier, the Senate had adopted a separate motion by Senator Ashiru commending President Tinubu and security agencies for the rescue of abducted victims in Kwara and Niger, while also calling for the creation of a Joint Task Force along the Kwara–Kogi corridor, a known bandit escape route.

Debates intensified as senators discussed the abduction of schoolchildren in Kebbi, mass kidnappings in Niger, and the Eruku church attack. Ashiru expressed deep concern over reports that soldiers withdrew from the Kebbi school hours before a bandit attack.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin urged Nigeria to seek international collaboration to address the crisis. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele stressed the need for internal reforms, noting gaps in reporting and accountability from security agencies.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe rejected attempts to blame previous administrations, emphasizing that the current government must take responsibility for recent security lapses. Senate President Godswill Akpabio raised alarms over intelligence breaches, citing incidents where critical information about security personnel had been compromised.

Tempers flared when Senator Seriake Dickson accused the majority caucus of downplaying the security situation, prompting protests from APC senators. Senator Adams Oshiomhole defended President Tinubu and demanded an investigation into troop withdrawals, a call the Senate adopted, while renewing its push for the death penalty for kidnappers and highlighting inconsistencies in terrorism sentencing.