Edo Gov’t Demolishes Houses Used As Kidnappers’ Hideouts

In a decisive move to combat kidnapping and ensure public safety, the Edo State Government has demolished houses linked to criminal activities in two local government areas of the state.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr. Akhere Paul, who led the demolition exercise in Illeh, Esan West local government area and Uromi, Esan North East LGA, emphasised that the action aligns with the state’s anti-kidnapping law.

Paul reiterated the administration’s zero tolerance for properties to be used as criminal hideouts and urged landlords to properly vet tenants before renting out their properties.

“This house was used to keep kidnap victims, and dangerous weapons were recovered here. The new law, signed by Governor Monday Okpebholo, mandates the demolition of any property used for such criminal activities,” Mr. Akhere stated.

The Commander of the Special Task Force, SP Michael Anetor, affirmed that the crackdown will continue and called on residents to report suspicious activities to security agencies.

Meanwhile, two arrested suspects, Utubor Uchenna and Felix Ebama, admitted to using the demolished properties as hideouts.

They confessed to participating in high-profile kidnappings, including a recent case where they collected a ₦10 million ransom.

The Edo State Government has pledged to sustain the fight against kidnapping, ensuring that criminal elements are flushed out to make the state safer for residents.