The Edo State Government has commenced the demolition of houses linked to kidnappers in the state.
The demolished houses are located in Illeh Community in Esan West Local Government Area, and Uromi, headquarters of Esan North-East Local Government Area of the State.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr. Paul Akhere, said the demolition exercise was in accordance with the law.
Akhere described the demolition exercise as a bold step towards ensuring the safety of the citizens and to curb criminal activities in the State
He however warned that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo will not tolerate any house or establishment used as a hideout for criminal activities.
He, therefore, called on landlords to ensure proper profiling of their tenants before subletting their properties.
According to him, “This house has been used for criminal activities. They kept kidnapped victims here, and a raid by men of the Nigerian Police Force recovered some dangerous weapons as well.
“The new law on kidnapping recently passed by the Edo State House of Assembly and signed by Governor Monday Okpebholo, stated that any house found being used for kidnapping activities will be demolished
“This will serve as a deterrent to others. You must profile people before giving out your house to them for rent. Go to the police station and let them help you in profiling the new person before you give out your property.
“You must verify their identity, where they work, and who they are to avoid an unfortunate incidence like this.”
The governor’s Special Adviser on security also assured the people of the State, that the exercise will be a continuous one as the State Government under Governor Okpebholo has given a marching order to flush out all criminal elements in the State and make it habitable for all.
Two of the suspected kidnappers, Utubor Uchenna and Felix Ebama, who confessed to have belonged to a gang of seven, identified the properties as their hideout before the demolition.
They disclosed that they have been involved in high profile kidnapping within Edo Central axis with the last operation fetching them ₦10 million.
