Senate to impose death penalty for kidnappers in Nigeria

The Senate in Nigeria has made recommendations to legalise death penalty for kidnappers across the country.

The suggestions come in the wake of instances of abductions and hostage-taking, mainly targeting politicians in the country, hence becoming a national cause for concern.

Nigeria's Senate calls for the death penalty to be imposed for kidnapping after recent increase… https://t.co/E6tkPn5mx8

— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) May 5, 2016

Latest reports indicate that former government minister Iyabo Anisulowo was abducted before being freed last week.

Similar scenarios have also been witnessed involving abductions of students, workers and expatriates alike, with the kidnappers demanding for a ransom in most cases.

Earlier in the week, a state of emergency was declared in the Kaduna State due to the high rate of kidnappings that has propelled lawmakers in the country to move the motion for capital punishment.

The current sentence for kidnappers in the country is five to ten years in prison.