Edo Demolishes Alleged Kidnap Den, Plans Resident Profiling Through Community Heads

The Edo State Government has demolished a building allegedly linked to a suspected kidnap kingpin in Obagie-N'Evbuosa Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, intensifying its campaign against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

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.

Speaking during the exercise, 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.

According to him, the property belongs to a suspected kidnapping syndicate leader, Solomon Johnson, who is currently in police custody.

Idemudia alleged that the suspect and his gang had terrorised residents of Obagie-N'Evbuosa Community and recently demanded an N11 million ransom for the release of a kidnapped victim. He added that the gang had also planned to abduct the victim's wife before security operatives foiled the plot and arrested the suspect.

He said the demolition was meant to send a strong warning to criminal elements operating in the state.

"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," Idemudia said.

He further alleged that although many suspected kidnappers operating in the state were non-indigenes, they often relied on local collaborators to carry out their activities.

As part of measures to strengthen community security, Idemudia disclosed that the state government would soon convene a meeting with Okaigheles (community heads) across Edo to discuss resident profiling and intelligence gathering.

He said community leaders would be expected to identify and monitor new entrants into their communities and work closely with government and security agencies to curb crime.

"As Okaighele, you should know everyone entering your community. You will be held accountable for security lapses in your community, 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 phones, laptops and other valuables allegedly stolen from kidnapping victims around Ring Road.

"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 received commissions from the sales, sometimes earning as much as N50,000 from a single transaction.

Police said investigations into the case are ongoing.