The Edo State government has commenced the demolition of houses used as hideouts by kidnappers in a bid to deter crime and criminality in the state.

The exercise, which took place in Illeh, Esan West Local Council, and Uromi, in Esan North East Local Council, was led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr Akhere Paul.

Paul stated that the demolition was in line with the law and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of its citizens.

He emphasised that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo would not tolerate any property being used for criminal activities. He urged landlords to ensure proper profiling of prospective tenants before renting out their properties.

“This house was used for criminal activities. Kidnappers kept their victims here, and during a police raid, dangerous weapons were recovered,” Paul revealed.

He explained that under a new law on kidnapping passed by the Edo State House of Assembly and signed by Governor Okpebholo, any property used for kidnapping would be demolished to serve as a deterrent.

He added, “Landlords must profile potential tenants before renting out properties. Visit the police station for assistance in verifying their identities, workplace, and background to avoid incidents like this.”

Paul assured that the demolition exercise would continue, noting that Governor Okpebholo had given security agencies a directive to eliminate criminal elements and ensure the state remains safe for residents.

The Commander of the Special Task Force, SP Michael Anetor, also reiterated the exercise’s legal backing, stating it would deter future criminal activities. He urged citizens to collaborate with law enforcement by monitoring their communities and reporting suspicious activities to the police or the Special Task Force.

“A safer and more secure Edo is a collective responsibility,” Anetor said.

Two suspects, Utubor Uchenna and Felix Ebama, who are members of a seven-man kidnapping gang, identified one of the demolished properties as their hideout. Speaking with newsmen, the suspects admitted to engaging in high-profile kidnappings in Edo Central, with their last operation yielding a ransom of N10 million.

The gang’s leader, Utubor Uchenna, disclosed that their latest victim was targeted because of the luxury car he drove. He revealed that the victim and a female companion were abducted but released unhurt after the ransom was paid.