In response to the incessant cases of kidnapping and banditry in the state, Taraba state House of Assembly has sought to amend the “Taraba state Kidnap and Abduction (Prohibition) law, 2010 (law No 6)” to proffer even more stiffer punishment for offenders.
This was disclosed by the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abel Peter Diah during a public hearing on the Bill on Friday at the Assembly’s Hollowed Chamber in Jalingo, the Taraba state capital.
The bill which is being sponsored by the Speaker of the House intended to cover section 4, section 7 and section 12 of the Taraba state Kidnap and Abduction (Prohibition) law, 2010 (law No 6).
“In the sought amendment, offenders would now suffer death sentence instead of 20 years imprisonment, collaborators with offenders would now suffer life imprisonment instead of 14 years imprisonment, while persons that conceal information about kidnappers and abductors will now suffer 20 years imprisonment without no option of fine.” Said the House Speaker during a public hearing on the Bill on Friday.
Diah noted that there can be no alternative for peaceful co-existence and a crime free society, if meaningful positive development must take place in the state.
He said traditional rulers should know that they have a great responsibility in curtailing armed banditry, Kidnapping and abduction by exposing these heinous crime operators in their domain.
He further added that government will not take it lightly if any traditional ruler is found concealing these criminals in his domain.
“The kidnapping, abduction or killing of any person for whatever reason is evil, ungodly, barbaric and should be condemned by every right thinking person.
Equally, actions capable of disturbing the peaceful co-existence of innocent citizens of the state through sectarian crises should not be tolerated.” He warned.
The Bill if passed, will ensure Taraba join states such as Katsina, Lagos, and Kano where kidnapping offences carry death penalty.
