The Edo State Government on Thursday brought down a building said to belong to a suspected kidnap kingpin in the Obagie-N’Evbuosa Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area. This action is part of its efforts to fight kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Governor Monday Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, announced this on Thursday. He said the demolition was done by the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, with the help of security agencies and the Edo State Security Squad.
The spokesperson for the squad, Noah Idemudia, explained that the building was known as a place where kidnapped victims were allegedly kept before being moved to other locations.
Idemudia stated that the property belongs to a man named Solomon Johnson. He said Johnson is the leader of a kidnapping gang operating in the area and is currently in police custody.
Idemudia added that Johnson and his gang had been terrorising residents of Obagie-N’Evbuosa. He mentioned that they recently demanded N11m as ransom for a kidnapped victim.
He also said the gang had planned to abduct the victim’s wife before security forces arrested Johnson.
Idemudia mentioned that the demolition was meant to send a message to others involved in crime.
He further claimed that many suspected kidnappers in the state are not from Edo but get help from local partners.
“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 place for criminals. Those who want to live peacefully are welcome, but those with bad intentions should leave,” he said.
Community Leaders Involved
Idemudia also said the government plans to invite Okaigheles, or community heads, from across the state to Government House. They will discuss resident profiling and community security.
He explained that community leaders should know those entering their areas and work with the government and security agencies to stop crime.
“As Okaighele, you should know everyone entering your community. You will be held responsible for security issues in your area, so working with the government is important,” he said.
Meanwhile, Johnson, who said he is a bricklayer from Delta State, admitted during questioning that he worked for a gang leader known only as Efe.
Johnson claimed that his job was to sell stolen goods, like phones and laptops taken 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.
He added that he earned commissions from sales, sometimes making up to N50,000 from a single sale.
PUNCH Metro learned that police investigations into the case are still ongoing.
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