Governor of Kastina State, Aminu Masari has signed an amended penal code bill slamming death penalty on kidnappers and cattle rustlers while rape now carries a life imprisonment sentence. The number one citizen in the stated disclosed that the new law is aimed at strengthening the criminal justice system in the state.

In his speech during the brief ceremony to append his signature on the law earlier passed by the State House of Assembly the governor inferred that the state is currently facing diverse security challenges, prompting the need to revisit the penal and procedural laws to deal with the convicts.

The number one citizen in Zamfara State disclosed  that the two bill passed in the state most especially the amended penal code is aimed at dealing with the menace of kidnappings, cattle rustling,rape and other organised crimes  in the state.

He declared that both cattle rustling and kidnappings are now categorised as capital offences and his punishment by death. The governor stated further that rape offences now attract mandatory life imprisonment and fine to compensate the victims of the incident .

Governor Aminu Masari disclosed that he hoped that the new laws would be a deterrents to anyone that will be convicted, and other criminal elements planning to commit such grievous crime in the state.

He stated that “The decision to make these offences serious with the above punishment cannot be over-emphasised.

” it is hoped and prayed that they will serve as deterrence to those that may be convicted. And those that have the intention of committing them ”

It will be recalled that the governor while receiving the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu and the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, who are part of the inspection team set up by President Muhammadu Buhari to access the states battling with insecurity challenges in the country, pleaded with the security chiefs to end the incessant killings in the state

He stated that “Even before this administration came on board, there were cases of herdsmen and farmers clashes. But when we came in, we did our best to tame it by introducing the amnesty programme and as of that time the situation stopped.

“Unfortunately, banditry and kidnapping surfaced. The latest was the very sad incident that happened in Batsari where dead bodies were brought to Government House and the emir’s palace.

“There is certainly a great need to bring peace to the state. Raining season is already on and our people need to go back to their farms. If we did not get them back to the farm by the end of this year, there will be food crisis.

“So, I hope this assessment will be done as soon as possible to bring peace back to the state. Prompt action should be taken to ensure that peace is restored in Katsina State.” He concluded.

 

 

 

 

 

SOURCE: THE PUNCH, SAHARA REPORTERS

 

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