More on this story, The Edo State Government has demolished a building allegedly owned by a suspected kidnap kingpin in Obagie-N’Evbuosa Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, as part of its crackdown on kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The demolition was carried out by the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, alongside security agencies and the Edo State Security Squad, codenamed Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists.
The squad’s spokesperson, Noah Idemudia, said the building had been identified as a hideout where kidnapped victims were allegedly kept before being moved to other locations.
According to Idemudia, the property belongs to the alleged leader of a kidnapping syndicate operating in the area. He identified the suspect as Solomon Johnson, who he said is from Delta State and is currently in police custody.
“The sad aspect of this whole thing is that these persons are not from Edo state and they are not Indigene of Edo,but as we know that some of our persons give them aid to achieve this purpose”.
He alleged that the suspect and his gang had terrorised residents of Obagie-N’Evbuosa and recently demanded an eleven million ransom for the release of a kidnapped victim. He added that the gang allegedly planned to abduct the victim’s wife before security operatives arrested the suspect. Idemudia said the demolition was intended to serve as a warning to others involved in criminal activities.
“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 further disclosed that the government would soon invite Okaigheles (community heads) across the state to Government House for discussions on resident profiling and community security.
He said community leaders would be expected to know those moving into their communities and work closely with the government and security agencies to prevent crime.
“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, a 28-year-old suspect, Solomon Johnson, who identified himself as a bricklayer from Delta State, admitted during interrogation that he worked for an alleged gang leader identified simply as Efe.
Johnson claimed his role was to sell stolen items, including phones, laptops and other belongings allegedly 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 was paid commissions from the proceeds, sometimes earning as much as N50,000 from a single sale.