The Edo State Government has demolished a building suspected to have served as a hideout for kidnappers in Obagie Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.
The operation was carried out following intelligence that the property was being used to hold victims before they were transferred to other locations. Speaking during the demolition exercise, Spokesperson for the Edo State Security Squad, Mr. Noah Idemudia, stated that the building belonged to a key suspect in a notorious kidnapping syndicate that had terrorised the community for years.
Idemudia revealed that the owner of the property, the principal suspect in the case, is currently in police custody. He allegedly demanded N11 million as ransom for the release of a male victim. After that operation, the syndicate reportedly planned to kidnap the victim’s wife, but the attempt failed, leading to the suspect’s arrest.
The spokesperson noted that while many members of the syndicate are not indigenes of Edo, they often receive support from local collaborators. “It is unfortunate that these kidnappers are not from Edo but they have collaborators who are indigenes. Some of our people connive with them in carrying out their criminal activities,” he lamented.
He emphasised that under Governor Monday Okpebholo’s leadership, Edo State is no longer a safe haven for criminals. “You are welcome to Edo if your intention is to live peacefully, but those with criminal tendencies should stay away,” Idemudia warned.
He called on community leaders, especially the Okaigheles (traditional rulers), to take greater responsibility for security in their domains. The spokesperson disclosed that community leaders across the state would soon be invited to the Government House for profiling as part of efforts to strengthen community-based security networks and monitor movement into various areas.