The Edo State Government has demolished a building allegedly linked to a suspected kidnapping kingpin in Obagie-N’Evbuosa Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, in a renewed effort to tackle kidnapping and violent crime across the state.
The Punch reported that the demolition took place on Thursday and was confirmed in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Patrick Ebojele.
According to the statement, the exercise was carried out by the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo in collaboration with security agencies and the Edo State Security Squad.
The spokesperson for the security squad, Noah Idemudia, said intelligence identified the building as a location where kidnapped victims were allegedly held before being transferred to other hideouts.
Idemudia disclosed that the property belongs to Solomon Johnson, an alleged leader of a kidnapping syndicate operating within the community.
He said Johnson, who is from Delta State, is currently in police custody.
He further alleged that Johnson and his gang had been terrorising residents of Obagie-N’Evbuosa and recently demanded an N11 million ransom from the family of one of their victims.
According to him, the gang had also planned to kidnap the victim’s wife before security operatives apprehended the suspect.
Idemudia said the demolition was meant to send a strong message to those involved in criminal activities.
He also alleged that although many suspected kidnappers in Edo were non-indigenes, they often relied on the support of local collaborators to operate.
“We are here to demolish this building identified as a den where kidnappers keep their victims. It served as a hideout before they were moved elsewhere.
“Edo State is no longer a safe haven for criminals. Anyone who wishes to live peacefully is welcome, but those with criminal intentions should leave the state,” he said.
Idemudia also revealed that the state government would soon convene a meeting with Okaigheles (community heads) across Edo to discuss measures aimed at strengthening resident profiling and improving community security.
He noted that community leaders would be expected to monitor new residents in their areas and work closely with the government and security agencies to curb criminal activities.
“As Okaighele, you should know everyone entering your community. You will be held accountable for security lapses in your community, so collaboration with the government is essential,” he said.
Meanwhile, Johnson, who described himself as a bricklayer from Delta State, admitted during interrogation that he worked for an alleged gang leader identified only as Efe.
He claimed his responsibility was to sell phones, laptops and other valuables allegedly stolen from kidnapping victims.
“I work for a man called Efe, who is involved in robbery and kidnapping. He brings phones, laptops and other valuables for me to sell around Ring Road,” he said.
Johnson added that he received commissions from the sales, sometimes making as much as N50,000 from a single transaction.
Police said investigations into the case are ongoing.
