Governor Aminu Masari  of Katsina State has declared that kidnapping, banditry and cattle rustling are now to attract the death penalty in a move to check the rising wave of crimes in the state.

Masari signed into law yesterday the state’s revised penal codes on crime and criminality. The signing preceded the valedictory session of the State Executive Council (SEC).

The new law also prescribes life jail and fine for rapists. The governor declared that the law was necessitated the spate of killings and other  banditry attacks in the state.

In his words: “we are all aware that Katsina State is currently faced with security challenges hence the need to revisit our penal and procedural laws to deal with any suspect that may be found wanting.

The laws signed today, particularly, the section dealing with kidnapping, cattle rustling, banditry, rape and other related offences  are now made capital offences.

Cattle rustling and kidnapping now carry the maximum penalty which is death sentences, while the offence of rape now carries life imprisonment.”

Masari said government hoped  that the imposition of the capital punishment  would  serve as a deterrent to criminals.