Authorities say property served as kidnappers’ hideout as security crackdown intensifies.
The Edo State Government has demolished a building allegedly linked to a suspected kidnap kingpin in Obagie-N’Evbuosa Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, as part of its ongoing campaign against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.The demolition was carried out by the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo in collaboration with security agencies and the Edo State Security Squad, codenamed Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists.
Speaking at the scene, the spokesperson for the security squad, Noah Idemudia, alleged that the building had been identified as a hideout where kidnapped victims were held before being moved to other locations.”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,” Idemudia said.He alleged that the property belongs to Solomon Johnson, a suspected leader of a kidnapping syndicate operating in the area, who is currently in police custody.According to Idemudia, the suspect and members of his gang had allegedly terrorised residents of Obagie-N’Evbuosa and recently demanded an ₦11 million ransom for the release of a kidnapping victim. He further alleged that the gang had planned to abduct the victim’s wife before security operatives arrested the suspect.
He said the demolition was intended to serve as a deterrent to individuals involved in kidnapping and other criminal activities.Idemudia also alleged that while many suspected kidnappers operating in Edo State were non-indigenes, they often relied on local collaborators to carry out their operations.”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 stated.The security spokesperson further disclosed that the state government would soon convene a meeting with Okaigheles (community heads) across Edo State to discuss resident profiling and strengthen community-based security measures.
According to him, community leaders would be expected to keep records of new residents and work closely with government and security agencies to enhance intelligence gathering and crime prevention.”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 added.Meanwhile, a 28-year-old suspect, Solomon Johnson, who identified himself as a bricklayer from Delta State, made statements to security operatives alleging that he worked for an individual identified simply as “Efe,” whom he accused of being involved in robbery and kidnapping.
Johnson claimed his role was to sell phones, laptops and other valuables allegedly stolen from kidnapping victims, adding that he received commissions from the proceeds.Police investigations into the matter are ongoing, and the allegations against the suspect have yet to be tested in court.
