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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
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 renewed crackdown on kidnapping and other violent crimes.
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.
The squad’s spokesperson, Noah Idemudia, said the building had been identified as a hideout where kidnapped victims were allegedly 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,” he said.
Idemudia said the property belonged to the alleged leader of a kidnapping syndicate operating in the area. He identified the suspect as Solomon Johnson, a native of Delta State, who is currently in police custody.
He alleged that the suspect and his gang had terrorised residents of Obagie-N’Evbuosa and recently demanded an N11 million ransom for the release of a kidnapped victim. According to him, the gang also planned to abduct the victim’s wife before security operatives arrested the suspect.
He said the demolition was meant to serve as a deterrent to other criminals.
Idemudia further alleged that although many suspected kidnappers operating in the state were non-indigenes, they often relied on local collaborators.
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“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 said.
He also disclosed that the government would soon summon Okaigheles (community heads) across the state to Government House for discussions on resident profiling and strengthening community security.
According to him, community leaders would be expected to know those residing in their communities and work closely with the government and security agencies to prevent crime.
“As Okaighele, you should know everyone coming into your community. You will be held accountable for security lapses in your domain, so collaboration with the government is essential,” he said.
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 sell stolen items, including 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 earned commissions from the sales, sometimes receiving as much as N50,000 from a single transaction.
Police said investigations into the case are ongoing.
