By Jefferson Ibiwale, Benin

Barely three days after endorsing a law that prescribes death penalty for kidnappers in Edo State, the governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has called for the reintroduction of police check points to further halt the rising incidence of kidnapping and armed robbery in the state.

Oshiomhole said in Benin, the state capital, on Monday that his administration will not relent in the fight against kidnapping and criminality but is determined to ensure the safety of the lives of properties of all citizens.

The governor who was speaking at a town hall meeting, said further that he had already briefed the Inspector General of Police, IGP, on the planned reintroduction of check points in the state..

He urged citizens of the state to support efforts of security officials as well as refrain from paying ransoms to kidnappers.

“I appeal that you avoid the temptation of working at cross purpose with security agencies,” he said.

Edo State has become one of the hot spots for the thriving business of kidnapping in the country.

Last Thursday, a private security expert and chairman of Transworld Security, Lagos, Ona Ekhomu, was shot and his wife, Victoria abducted by suspected kidnappers.

It was gathered that the attack happened in front of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma on the couple’s way to their home town, Irua, Edo State

As security agents rally round to track the kidnappers, Ekhomu is said to be receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital and the kidnappers are yet to demand for a ransom.

The attack comes barely a month after renowned lawyer and activist, Mike Ozekhome, was kidnapped in the state and later released.