Security expert canvasses return of firing squads

A security expert, Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon, has urged the Federal Government to return the firing squad practice of executing criminals, to curb kidnapping and armed robbery across the Country.

Our Kogi State Correspondent, reports that Simeon made the call Sunday January 21, during an interview with journalists in Lokoja.

Simeon, who is an expert in Criminology and Security Studies, argued that one of the things that have emboldened these criminal elements terrorizing Nigeria is the slow system of Criminal Justice Administration. 

According to him, "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 lamented on spate of kidnapping in the Federal Capital Territory and it environs.

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 violently crime, but the situation in the FCT, the Nigeria capital city and it's environ is becoming very worrisome and a source of concern to criminologists and security analysts.

"The residents of FCT no longer sleep with their two eyes closed, nor keep late night outings for the fear of been 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 a seige and at the mercy of this criminal elements.

"Only a few days ago, an Estate belonging to the Nigeria Army at Kurudu was attacked by this elements taking away two of its occupants with the demand of thirty million naira as ransom. 

"This is outside the countless report of such incidence in Bwari, Kuje, Tunga Maje etc. Report has 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 bring this deadly monster to a defeat".

×