The Edo State government has started demolishing houses linked to kidnappers in Illeh (Esan West LGA) and Uromi (Esan North East LGA) in the fight against crime in the state.
The crackdown, led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr. Akhere Paul, on Wednesday, follows the directive of Governor Monday Okpebholo in line with the recently passed anti-kidnapping law.
The demolished properties were identified as hideouts for criminals who have terrorized residents, using the locations to detain kidnapped victims while negotiating ransoms.
During police raids, dangerous weapons were recovered, which confirmed that the properties’ are linked to organized crime.
Akhere stressed the need for landlords to profile prospective tenants before renting out their properties.
“You must verify their identity, where they work, and who they are. Go to the police station and let them help you in profiling the new person before you give out your property,” he warned.
According to the new anti-kidnapping law signed by Governor Okpebholo, any building found to be used for kidnapping will be demolished to deter criminals and prevent communities from unknowingly harboring them.
Two suspects, Utubor Uchenna and Felix Ebama, confessed to belonging to a seven-man gang that has carried out multiple high-profile kidnappings in Edo Central.
Their most recent victim, they revealed, was abducted based on the luxury car he drove, with the gang collecting a N10m ransom before releasing him and his female companion.
The Commander of the Special Task Force, SP Michael Anetor, called on residents to be vigilant and report suspicious activities.
“A safer and more secure Edo is the duty of all,” he stated, reinforcing that the fight against kidnapping will not relent.
Edo government further noted that, “crime will no longer have a home,” As more demolitions are expected, both criminals and complacent landlords are on notice.