Edo demolishes building linked to suspected kidnap kingpin

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The Edo State Government on Thursday 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.

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The state governor, Monday Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

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He said the demolition was carried out by the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, alongside security agencies and the Edo State Security Squad.

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The squad’s spokesperson, Noah Idemudia, said the building had been identified as a place where kidnapped victims were allegedly kept before being moved to other locations.

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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.

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He alleged that the suspect and his gang had terrorised residents of Obagie-N’Evbuosa and recently demanded a N11 million ransom for the release of a kidnapped victim.

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He added that the gang allegedly planned to abduct the victim’s wife before security operatives arrested the suspect.

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Idemudia said the demolition was intended to serve as a warning to others involved in criminal activities.

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He also alleged that while many of the suspected kidnappers operating in the state were non-indigenes, they often received support from local collaborators.

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“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.

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“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.

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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Meanwhile, 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.

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Johnson claimed his role was to sell stolen items, including phones, laptops and other belongings allegedly taken from kidnapping victims.

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“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.

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He added that he was paid commissions from the proceeds, sometimes earning as much as N50,000 from a single sale.

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Police investigations into the case are ongoing.

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