The Edo State Government began demolishing buildings where suspected kidnappers were keeping their victims on Wednesday, as two alleged abductors, Utubor Uchenna and Felix Ebama, recounted how they collected N10 million in ransom from two of their victims in their last operation before being captured.
When asked to identify the houses where they kept their victims, the couple said thus.
While speaking with journalists, the suspects, who belonged to a gang of seven, admitted to the crime and identified the property as their refuge prior to demolition.
Admitting to the crime, they stated that they had been involved in high-profile kidnappings in the Edo Central area, with the most recent operation earning them N10 million.
Uchenna stated that their latest victim was snatched because of the nice car he drove and was kidnapped alongside a woman.
He said that both victims were released unharmed after paying a ransom of N10 million.
Uchenna said, “The last operation we did fetched us N10m ransom. We abducted a man who drove flashy cars, and he was with a lady, and they were both kidnapped.
“We are here to identify the house where we kept our victims, and we have been involved in several kidnapping operations.”
Meanwhile, in a bold move to ensure citizens’ safety and combat criminal activity, the Edo State Government began demolishing kidnapping-related houses on Wednesday.
The special adviser to the governor on security, Akhere Paul, who led security forces during the demolition at Illeh, Esan West Local Government Area, and Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, Edo State, stated that the activity was legal.
Akhere stated that the Monday Okpebholo administration will not accept any house or establishment being used as a hideout for illegal operations, and he urged landlords to conduct adequate tenant profiling before subletting their premises.
He said, “This house has been used for criminal activities. They keep kidnapped victims here, and a raid by men of the Nigeria Police Force recovered some dangerous weapons as well.
“According to the new law on kidnapping recently passed by the Edo State House of Assembly and signed by Governor Monday Okpebholo, any house found being used for kidnapping activities will be demolished.
“This will serve as a deterrent to others. You must profile a person before giving out your house to him or her 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 unfortunate incidents like this,” Akhere added.
He promised the public that the exercise would continue, claiming that the Okpebholo government had issued a marching order to clear out all criminal elements and make the state habitable for everybody.
Also speaking, SP Michael Anetor, Commander of the Special Task Force, stated that the exercise will serve as a deterrent to others and help control abduction and other criminal activity in the state.
He urged all Edo residents to help in the fight against abduction by keeping an eye on their surroundings and reporting any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or Special Task Force personnel, emphasizing that “a safer and more secure Edo is everyone’s responsibility.”
