Edo Demolishes Building Linked to Suspected Kidnap Kingpin, Moves to Profile Residents
BENIN CITY – The Edo State Government has intensified its campaign against kidnapping by demolishing a building allegedly linked to a suspected kidnap kingpin in Obagie-N’Evbuosa Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, while announcing plans to profile residents through community leaders across the state.
The demolition was carried out on Thursday by the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo in conjunction with security agencies and the Edo State Security Squad, codenamed Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists. Authorities said the property had been identified as a hideout where kidnapped victims were allegedly held before being moved to other locations.
Speaking during the operation, the spokesperson for the security squad, Noah Idemudia, said the building belonged to Solomon Johnson, a 28-year-old suspect from Delta State who is currently in police custody. He alleged that Johnson led a kidnapping syndicate that had terrorised residents of Obagie-N’Evbuosa and surrounding communities.
According to Idemudia, the syndicate recently demanded an N11 million ransom for the release of a kidnapped victim and had allegedly concluded plans to abduct the victim’s wife before security operatives arrested the suspect. He said the demolition was intended to send a strong message that the Edo State Government would not tolerate criminal activities.
He further alleged that while many suspected kidnappers operating in the state were non-indigenes, they often relied on the support of local collaborators.
“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.
As part of efforts to strengthen grassroots security, Idemudia announced that the state government would soon convene a meeting with Okaigheles (community heads) from across Edo State at Government House to discuss resident profiling and community surveillance.
He said community leaders would be expected to identify and monitor new residents in their communities and collaborate closely with the government and security agencies to improve intelligence gathering and crime prevention.
“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, the suspect, Solomon Johnson, who identified himself as a bricklayer from Delta State, allegedly confessed during interrogation that he worked for a gang leader identified only as Efe.
Johnson claimed his responsibility was to sell mobile phones, laptops and other valuables allegedly stolen from victims of kidnapping and robbery around the Ring Road area of Benin City. He also alleged that he received commissions from the proceeds of the sales, sometimes earning as much as N50,000 from a single transaction.
Police said investigations into the case are ongoing.