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 ongoing crackdown on kidnapping and violent crime.
The demolition was carried out on Thursday by the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, in collaboration with security agencies and the Edo State Security Squad.
In a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, the government said the building had been identified as a location where kidnapped victims were allegedly held before being moved to other destinations.
The spokesperson for the Edo State Security Squad, Noah Idemudia, identified the suspect as Solomon Johnson, whom he described as the alleged leader of a kidnapping syndicate operating in the area.
According to investigation, Johnson, said to be from Delta State, is currently in police custody.
According to Idemudia, the suspect and his gang allegedly terrorised residents of Obagie-N’Evbuosa and recently demanded an N11 million ransom for the release of a kidnapped victim.
He added that the gang had also planned to abduct the victim’s wife before security operatives arrested the suspect.
Idemudia said the demolition was meant to serve as a deterrent to others involved in criminal activities, adding that the state would no longer tolerate criminal hideouts.
He also alleged that while many suspected kidnappers operating in the state were non-indigenes, they often received support from local collaborators.
The security official further disclosed that the government would soon meet with community heads, known as Okaigheles, to strengthen resident profiling and improve community security.
Idemudia said community leaders would be expected to monitor new residents and work closely with security agencies to prevent crime.
Meanwhile, Johnson, who identified himself as a bricklayer from Delta State, told investigators that he worked for an alleged gang leader identified only as Efe.
The kingpin claimed his role was to sell phones, laptops and other valuables allegedly stolen from kidnapping victims in exchange for commissions.
Police said investigations into the case are ongoing.
