Senate Declares Kidnappers as Terrorists, Orders Death Penalty

The Senate on Wednesday took a hard position against the rising wave of abductions across the country, formally classifying kidnapping as an act of terrorism and backing the death penalty for anyone found guilty.

Lawmakers said the punishment should be absolute, without the option of fines or any judicial reduction of sentence.

The decision came after hours of emotional deliberations, triggered by the recent attack on Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, within Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

During the attack, gunmen killed two worshippers and kidnapped 38 others.

Although the victims were later rescued through a joint operation involving the military, police, DSS personnel, and local vigilante teams, senators said the incident exposed the depth of insecurity spreading into previously quiet regions.

The motion that set the tone for the debate was sponsored by Senator Yisa Ashiru (Kwara South) and titled “Urgent Need to Address Escalating Insecurity in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger States and Strengthen National Security Frameworks.”

His presentation opened the floor to a flood of complaints from lawmakers who described worsening attacks on schools, churches, roads, and entire rural communities.

Several senators raised concerns about the growing shutdown of schools. They said repeated kidnappings had forced local governments in Kebbi and Niger to close all schools as a precaution.

Some parts of Kwara were also affected, alongside all 47 Federal Unity Colleges across the country.

Senator Issa Jibrin (Kogi East) drew attention to Nigeria’s weak security manpower, pointing out that the combined strength of the nation’s military, police, and paramilitary forces “do not total one million,” a figure significantly lower than countries like Egypt.

He pushed for stronger intelligence, modern equipment, and the creation of a reserve force to support exhausted troops on the frontlines.

Other senators warned that bandit activities were gradually moving towards Osun State through border communities linked to Ekiti.

They referenced recent killings involving a retired Army General and the death of a traditional ruler within the same corridor.

Many blamed the poor state of major access roads for aiding criminals, prompting the Senate to direct the Ministry of Works to begin rehabilitation of the Idofian–Omu-Aran–Eruku–Egbe–Kabba highway.

The chamber later reached a unanimous conclusion that kidnapping had fully evolved into terrorism and must be treated as such.

Lawmakers insisted that only the most severe punishment could deter criminal gangs now operating with increased boldness.

“Capital punishment must apply,” several senators maintained, arguing that judges should not have powers to reduce sentences for convicted kidnappers.