Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has said his administration will consider the review of all relevant laws to ensure that anyone convicted of kidnapping is swiftly and severely punished, in order to ensure the security of life and property across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state.
Reacting to the release of the four Turkish expatriates who were last week kidnapped at a relaxation centre in Edu local government of the state, Abdulrazaq said the incident was a “one off event which does not represent who we are as a people.”
Abdulrazaq said this late Friday in Abuja, after he handed over the victims to the Turkish embassy officials just hours after they were released unconditionally, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.
The statement said the state government may consider toughening the state’s anti-kidnapping laws, among other measures, to protect lives and property and keep investors’ confidence.
“(The abduction) is a horrible crime against the innocent victims who had their freedom curtailed. The government also views the development as an assault on the peace-loving people of Kwara State and it will not go unpunished,” the statement said.
“The state government may therefore review and strengthen all relevant laws to ensure that anyone convicted of kidnapping is swiftly and severely punished in accordance with the law, keeping in mind the need to ensure the security of life and property in the state.”
The statement said the government was elated at the freedom of the expatriates, thanking God for crowning the effort of the Governor and the security agencies.
“The government thanks the security agencies and members of the vigilante groups for their efforts, and the locals for volunteering very useful information that led to the unconditional release of the abductees,” it said.
The state government however urged residents to be vigilant and to report any suspicious movement or strange persons to the nearby security posts.
