The Edo State Government has commenced the demolition of houses used by suspected kidnappers to detain their victims.
This action follows the arrest of two alleged abductors, Utubor Uchenna and Felix Ebama, who confessed to collecting a ransom of N10 million from two victims in their most recent operation before being apprehended.
The suspects, part of a seven-member gang, were escorted to the locations where they had kept their victims before the buildings were demolished.
Speaking with journalists, they admitted to their involvement in high-profile kidnappings across the Edo Central region.
Uchenna revealed that their last victim was targeted because of the expensive car he drove.
He explained that the victim, who was kidnapped along with a female companion, was later released unharmed after the ransom was paid.
“The last operation we did fetched us N10m ransom. We abducted a man who drove flashy cars and he was with a lady and they were both kidnapped. We are here to identify the house where we kept our victims and we have been involved in several kidnapping operations,” Uchenna confessed.
To strengthen security and deter criminal activities, the Edo State Government has begun demolishing buildings linked to kidnappers.
On Wednesday, officials carried out demolitions in Illeh, Esan West Local Government Area, and Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Akhere Paul, who led the operation alongside security personnel, emphasized that the exercise was in line with the law.
He reiterated that Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration would not tolerate any property being used as a criminal hideout and urged landlords to conduct proper background checks on prospective tenants.
“This house has been used for criminal activities. They keep kidnapped victims here, and a raid by men of the Nigeria Police Force recovered some dangerous weapons as well,” Akhere stated.
He further explained that under the new anti-kidnapping law enacted by the Edo State House of Assembly and signed by Governor Okpebholo, any house found to be involved in kidnapping activities would be demolished.
“This will serve as a deterrent to others. You must profile a person before giving out your house to him or her for rent. Go to the police station and let them help you in profiling the new person before you give out your property,” he advised.
Akhere assured residents that the government would continue the crackdown on criminals, following the governor’s directive to eliminate all threats to public safety.
Commander of the Special Task Force, SP Michael Anetor, highlighted the importance of public vigilance in tackling kidnapping and other crimes in Edo State.
He urged residents to monitor their surroundings and promptly report suspicious activities to law enforcement.
“A safer and secured Edo is the duty of all,” he said, emphasizing that the government’s efforts would be sustained to ensure the state remains safe for its residents.
