(Governor Francis Nwifuru. Photo by Ebonyi State Government)
The Ebonyi State Government has pass a new bill to the State House of Assembly.
That kidnappers will carry the death penalty by hanging, with no other punishment allowed.
Governor Francis Nwifuru announced the plan over the weekend at the funeral of the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area, Eze Francis Igwe.
The monarch was killed by gunmen on Sunday March 1 while on his way to church.
The gunmen killed him a day later.
During the funeral, held by the Assemblies of God Church, the governor said he is concerned about young people in the state.
He said many of them are not well informed and act without thinking, and they need to change how they treat community leaders.
He also promised that the government will carry out any court ruling against the people arrested for the monarch murder.
He said the new law is meant to stop kidnapping and abduction, whether for politics or any other reason.
Former governors Sam Egwu and Martin Elechi, and former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, paid tribute.
They described the late monarch as a peacemaker, educator and strong leader who left a lasting legacy.
The monarch eldest son said his father was a loving family man and a good example to him.
He said the family still finds it hard to understand how he died.
He also stated, that his father last wish was for Governor Nwifuru to win a second term.
