The Ebonyi State Government has forwarded an executive bill to the State House of Assembly seeking to make kidnapping a capital offence punishable by death by hanging, without an option of an alternative sentence.
Governor Francis Nwifuru disclosed this during the weekend at the funeral of the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike autonomous community in Ikwo Local Government Area, HRH Eze Francis Igwe, who was abducted and murdered by suspected kidnappers.
The late monarch, who was the father of the immediate past Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Eric Igwe, was reportedly abducted on Sunday, March 1, while on his way to church and killed by his abductors the following day.
Speaking at the funeral service conducted by the Assemblies of God Church, Governor Nwifuru expressed concern over what he described as the growing moral deterioration among Nigerian youths and questioned their preparedness for future leadership responsibilities.
The governor also pledged to implement any court verdict against those arrested in connection with the monarch’s murder, stressing that the proposed legislation was aimed at discouraging kidnapping and abduction across the state, whether motivated by financial or political interests.
Nwifuru said he was particularly worried about the attitudes of some young people towards community leaders, urging them to reconsider their actions and desist from criminal activities.
He further warned that the monarch’s killing should be the last of such incidents in Ikwo and other parts of Ebonyi State.
During tributes, former governors Sam Egwu and Martin Elechi, alongside former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, described the deceased as a respected statesman, peacemaker, administrator and educationist who made significant contributions to his community.
They also recalled his role in attracting development projects, including the establishment of the popular Folk Technical College, which has produced several prominent Nigerians.
The monarch’s eldest son, Eric Igwe, described his father as a devoted family man and role model whose guidance shaped his life in family, religion, politics and culture.
He expressed sadness over the circumstances surrounding his father’s death but said the family remained committed to preserving his legacy. He also disclosed that his father’s last wish was for Governor Nwifuru to secure a second term in office.
