By Rosemary Okoduwa
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has launched a crackdown on kidnapping, demolishing buildings used by kidnappers and their accomplices. This move aims to send a strong message to perpetrators and follows the signing into law of the 2025 amended laws prohibiting kidnapping and related activities.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized that this move is part of his administration’s efforts to rid the state of criminality. Residents have expressed satisfaction with the demolition, citing the positive impact on community safety.
The demolition exercise was led by Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr. Akhere Paul and houses linked to kidnappers in Uromi and Ekpoma were demolished
The government had earlier stressed that any house found to be used for kidnapping activities will be demolished, serving as a deterrent to others. Landlords are urged to properly profile their tenants before renting out properties.
Two suspects, Utubor Uchenna and Felix Ebama, admitted to being part of a 7-man gang involved in high-profile kidnappings, with their last operation yielding N10 million. The gang’s leader noted that their last victim was targeted due to his luxury car and was kidnapped alongside a lady
The Edo State Government assured citizens that the exercise will continue, with a focus on flushing out all criminal elements to make the state habitable for all. The Special Task Force has recorded recent successes in the fight against criminal activities, raiding hideouts and apprehending suspects