A security expert, Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon, has urged the Federal Government to return the practice of executing criminals with firing squad in order to check the rising cases of kidnapping across the country.
Simeon spoke in an interview with newsmen on Sunday.
Simeon, who is an expert in Criminology and Security Studies, argued that one of the things that have emboldened criminal elements terrorizing Nigeria is the slow system of Criminal Justice Administration.
He said, “The utilitarian theory of crime should be activated because it has a uniquely potent deterrent effect on criminals and potentially violent offenders for whom the threat of imprisonment is not a sufficient restraint.
“The practice of execution by firing squad should be reintroduced into our criminal justice system.
“There’s an urgent need for the establishment of a special court to cater for violent crimes such as kidnapping instead of the regular court, and all cases has to be disposed within 30 days.”
He expressed concern at the rising level of kidnapping in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and environs.
Continuing, Simeon said, “Kidnapping is as old as man and not new to us in Nigeria as it is witnessed in many parts of Nigeria daily. In fact, there’s no place in Nigeria that is free of this type of violent crime, but the situation in the FCT, the Nigeria capital city and its environs, is becoming very worrisome and a source of concern to criminologists and security analysts.
“The residents of the FCT no longer sleep with their two eyes closed, nor keep late night outings for the fear of being kidnapped.
“Recently, there is a cover story in a media organization captioned “85 seized in 96 hours of horror”. This terrifying report shows that the Nation’s capital city is under siege and at the mercy of these criminal elements.
“Only a few days ago, an estate belonging to the Nigerian Army at Kurudu was attacked by these elements, taking away two of its occupants with the demand of N30 million naira as ransom.
“This is outside the countless reports of such incidence in Bwari, Kuje, Tunga Maje etc. Reports have it that the Federal Capital Territory is surrounded by Boko Haram members in a new uniform, and dressed as kidnappers. The collective responsibility of all stakeholders – security agencies and citizens alike – is needed to defeat this deadly monster.”
