By Ebhodaghe Frank

Benin City-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 intensified campaign against kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The demolition was carried out by the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo in conjunction with security agencies and the Edo State Security Squad, codenamed Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists.

Speaking at the scene, the squad’s spokesperson, Noah Idemudia, said intelligence gathered by security agencies identified the building as a hideout where kidnapped victims were allegedly kept 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,” he said.

Idemudia alleged that the property belongs to Solomon Johnson, a suspected leader of a kidnapping syndicate operating in the area. He said the suspect, who is from Delta State, is currently in police custody.

According to him, the suspect and members of his gang had allegedly terrorised residents of Obagie-N’Evbuosa Community and recently demanded an N11 million ransom for the release of a kidnapped victim. He further alleged that the gang had planned to abduct the victim’s wife before security operatives arrested Johnson.

He said the demolition was intended to send a strong message that the Edo State Government would not tolerate criminal activities or allow properties linked to kidnapping to remain standing.

Idemudia also alleged that although many of the suspected kidnappers operating in the state were non-indigenes, they often relied on local collaborators for support.

“Edo State is no longer a safe haven for criminals. Anyone who wants to live peacefully is welcome, but those with criminal intentions should leave the state,” he said.

The security spokesperson further disclosed that the state government would soon convene a meeting with Okaigheles (community heads) across Edo State at Government House to strengthen community-based security and resident profiling.

According to him, community leaders would be required to maintain records of new residents and work closely with government and security agencies to identify and prevent criminal activities.

“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, admitted during interrogation that he worked for an alleged gang leader identified simply as Efe.

Johnson claimed his role was to dispose of stolen items, including mobile phones, laptops and other valuables allegedly taken from kidnapping victims.

“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.

He added that he received commissions from the sales, sometimes earning as much as N50,000 from a single transaction.

Police said investigations into the case are ongoing.