Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE Edo State Government has demolished a property allegedly belonging to a suspected kidnap kingpin in Obagie-N’Evbuosa Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, as part of an intensified crackdown on kidnapping and violent crime across the state.
The demolition operation was carried out by the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, working in conjunction with security agencies and the Edo State Security Squad, operating under the codename “Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists.”
Noah Idemudia, spokesperson for the security squad, confirmed that the building had been identified as a hideout where kidnapped victims were allegedly held captive before being transported to other locations.
“We are here to demolish this building identified as a den where kidnappers keep their victims,” Idemudia stated. “It served as a hideout before they were moved elsewhere.”
According to Idemudia, the property belongs to the alleged leader of a kidnapping syndicate operating in the area. He named the suspect as Solomon Johnson, who he said is from Delta State and is currently in police custody.
The spokesperson alleged that Johnson and his gang had terrorised residents of Obagie-N’Evbuosa and had recently demanded an N11 million ransom for the release of a kidnapped victim. He further claimed that the gang had planned to abduct the victim’s wife before security operatives intervened and arrested the suspect.
Idemudia said the demolition was intended to serve as a stark warning to others engaged in criminal activities.
He also alleged that while many of the suspected kidnappers operating in the state were non-indigenes, they often received support from local collaborators.
“Edo State is no longer a safe haven for criminals,” Idemudia declared. “Anyone who wishes to live peacefully is welcome, but those with criminal intentions should leave the state.”
In a significant development, Idemudia disclosed that the government would soon invite Okaigheles—community heads—across the state to Government House for discussions on resident profiling and community security measures.
He said community leaders would be expected to know those moving into their communities and work closely with the government and security agencies to prevent crime.
“As Okaighele, you should know everyone entering your community,” he emphasised. “You will be held accountable for security lapses in your community, so collaboration with the government is essential.”
Meanwhile, the 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 mobile phones, laptops and other belongings allegedly taken from kidnapping victims.
“I work for a man called Efe, who is involved in robbery and kidnapping,” Johnson confessed. “He brings phones, laptops and other valuables for me to sell around Ring Road.”
He added that he was paid commissions from the proceeds, sometimes earning as much as N50,000 from a single sale.
Police investigations into the case are ongoing.
