GTI activists back tougher laws to crush kidnapping, cultism, drug crimes in Edo
Abdullateef Fowewe
Guard Time Information (GTI) Human Rights Activists Nationwide has thrown their weight behind Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo’s drive to strengthen legal penalties and enforcement against kidnapping, cultism and drug-related crimes, saying stronger laws and coordinated community action are essential to halt the worsening insecurity.
Comrade Bibi Oduku, GTI’s national chairman, in a statement made available for Dailyeconomy on Friday, said kidnappers have exploited weak enforcement and social tolerance to turn abduction into a lucrative enterprise.
“Criminals have taken advantage of weak enforcement mechanisms and societal tolerance to transform kidnapping into a thriving criminal venture.
“Our legal team in Edo State is preparing a proposal to provide legal and advocacy support to the state government, working with concerned citizens, journalists and civil society groups committed to promoting peace and security,” Oduku said.
The group highlighted worrying trends: staged kidnappings for ransom, recruitment and training of attackers in forested areas, and the spread of misinformation that fuels public fear.
Oduku specifically condemned false alarms and warned that such acts undermine public confidence and hamper security responses.
Professor Adegbenga Onabamiro, head of GTI’s institutional development arm, described the toll on education, noting that universities and schools have been directly affected by the insecurity.
“Insecurity has limited the ability of educational institutions to operate freely, affecting teaching, learning, research and overall academic development,” Professor Onabamiro said.
He urged federal and state authorities, communities and institutions to build intelligence-driven security networks linking schools with host communities, the police and the military for faster emergency response.
Barrister Confidence O. Agbator, GTI’s head of legal affairs in Edo State civil matters, warned against the emerging pattern of people faking abductions for financial gain and appealed to parents and community leaders to cooperate with law enforcement.
“Communities that tolerate criminality ultimately endanger their own future peace and security.
“Informants and collaborators of criminal gangs often operate within communities; citizens must remain vigilant and report suspicious activity instead of shielding perpetrators,” Agbator.
In closing remarks, Oduku urged Governor Okpebholo to remain resolute in implementing tougher policies and laws, stressing that decisive action is necessary to safeguard lives, restore public confidence and promote sustainable peace and development in Edo State and across Nigeria.
GTI said its Edo legal team will submit a formal proposal to state authorities and continue advocacy with partners to support the government’s anti-crime measures
