By Peter Duru

MAKURDI—Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, yesterday, signed into law, the bill prescribing death sentence for kidnapping, and the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment bill, prescribing five-year jail term for violators or an option of N1 million or both.

Gov Samuel Ortom

Signing both laws in the presence of majority of stakeholders in the state, Governor Ortom said the laws were intended to make the state a better place for the people.

Ortom said: “The Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, apart from outlawing open grazing in the state, prescribes three years imprisonment on conviction for cattle or animal rustling or N500,000 per animal or both.

“Similarly, apart from prescribing death penalty for kidnapping, the Prohibition of Abduction, Hostage Taking, Kidnapping, Secret Cult, and Similar activities in the state also prescribes death sentence for anyone who allows his premises to be used in warehousing a victim or victims.

“And anyone who volunteers to give him or herself for kidnap or hostage shall also be liable upon conviction to 10 years jail term.

“With the new law, terrorism related activities will attract 14 years imprisonment, while cultism will attract 10 years imprisonment with option of fine.”