By our Reporter
The Forum of State Chairmen of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Southwest Zone, has called for the introduction of the death penalty for convicted kidnappers and bandits, urging both federal and state authorities to adopt tougher measures to combat rising insecurity across the region.
The demand was made during an extraordinary session of the forum held on June 4, 2026, in Ibadan, where youth leaders from the Southwest expressed concern over increasing incidents of kidnapping, highway attacks and rural banditry affecting communities across the zone.
Speaking at the conclusion of the meeting, the Chairman of the Forum and Ogun State NYCN Chairman, Akolawole Shoremi, said existing punishments for violent crimes have failed to deter criminal elements, stressing the need for stronger legislative action.
According to the forum, the recent abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area highlights the growing threat posed by criminal syndicates and underscores the need for decisive government intervention.
The youth leaders argued that individuals who deprive citizens of their freedom and, in some cases, their lives through kidnapping should face the stiffest penalties under the law.
The forum also called on the Southwest Governors’ Forum to convene an emergency security summit aimed at addressing the worsening security situation in the region.
It further advocated a comprehensive overhaul of the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, urging state governments to provide increased funding, improved logistics and advanced surveillance technology to strengthen the regional security outfit’s capacity.
The forum maintained that insecurity continues to undermine agriculture, education, commerce and other critical sectors of the Southwest economy, warning that frustration among young people is growing as criminal activities persist.
While reaffirming the readiness of youths across the region to support security agencies through grassroots intelligence gathering and community engagement, the forum stressed that urgent and coordinated action is required to restore public confidence and safeguard lives and property.
The meeting was attended by the NYCN chairmen from Lagos, Ekiti and Oyo states, including Ibrahim Adigun, Segun Bankole and Eniola Alex.
