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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The Edo State Government, yesterday, announced that in an effort to stamp out crime and criminality in the state and its border communities, it has successfully demolished illegal structures and shanties identified as hideouts for suspected kidnappers along the Okpella–Okene Expressway.
The Government in a statement signed by Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Patrick Ebojele, said the demolished structures, located at the Obu/Oguda/Bua Cement Axis, were uncovered through intelligence reports and investigations as operational bases from which kidnappers allegedly carried out their nefarious activities.
“Findings revealed that the area served as a holding point where abducted victims were kept before ransoms were demanded and collected.
“The axis has long been dreaded by residents and motorists, having gained notoriety as a haven for hardened criminals who instilled fear in the area. Several past attempts to flush them out reportedly proved abortive, making the location a major security concern for the Okpebholo-led administration.
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“However, on December 20, 2025, at about 9:30 a.m., the area fell to the superior strategic planning and resolve of the Edo State Government as the illegal structures were pulled down, restoring a sense of safety to the community”.
The statement explained that the demolition exercise was carried out by the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency, led by Town Planning Officer, Williams Ovenseri, who supervised the removal of the illegal shanties used by the suspected criminals.
“During the operation, the suspects reportedly resisted security efforts by blocking the Okpella–Okene Expressway at the Obu/Oguda/Bua cement Axis, allegedly using human shields. Despite the resistance, security forces maintained control and ensured the success of the operation.
“The operation was led by Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Benjamin Abang, DC Operations, Edo State Command, who coordinated a combined team of police personnel and officers of the Nigerian Army. The exercise was concluded successfully without any casualties or recorded incidents.
“With the demolition completed, the area, once a hotspot for kidnappings and attacks on motorists, has become relatively calm, while security agencies continue to maintain surveillance to prevent any resurgence of criminal activities”, the statement added.
