The Edo State Government has intensified its fight against kidnapping by demolishing buildings used as hideouts by criminals in two local government areas.
The operation took place in Illeh, Esan West Local Government Area, and Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area.
Led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Akhere Paul, the demolition exercise was carried out in line with the state’s anti-kidnapping law.
According to officials, the properties were used to hold kidnapped victims, and security operatives recovered dangerous weapons from the sites.
Two suspects, Utubor Uchenna and Felix Ebama, were arrested in connection with the crimes. They reportedly confessed to using the demolished buildings for criminal activities, including a recent kidnapping case where a ₦10 million ransom was paid.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to tackling insecurity, the Commander of the Special Task Force, Michael Anetor, urged residents to report suspicious activities to security agencies. He assured that the crackdown on kidnappers and their hideouts would continue.
The move, as noticed by the WorldClass247News, aligns with Edo State’s anti-kidnapping law, which mandates the demolition of any property used for such criminal activities.
The government has also called on landlords to conduct thorough background checks on prospective tenants to prevent their properties from being used for illegal activities.
The Edo State Government reiterated its resolve to rid the state of criminal elements, ensuring a safer environment for all residents.