Even as two alleged abductors, Felix Ebama and Utubor Uchenna, disclosed how they obtained N10 million in ransom from two of their victims in their most recent operation prior to their arrest, the Edo State Government on Wednesday started demolishing the homes where suspected kidnappers held their victims.
When they were brought to identify the homes where they housed their victims, the pair said this. The suspects, who were part of a gang of seven, acknowledged the crime and named the property as their refuge prior to the demolition when they spoke to reporters.
They acknowledged their involvement in a high-profile kidnapping in the Edo Central area, claiming that their most recent operation brought them N10 million.
Uchenna said that their last victim was abducted because of the luxury car he drives and was kidnapped alongside a lady. He said both victims were released unhurt after parting with a ransom of N10m.
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, the Edo State Government started demolishing homes connected to kidnappers on Wednesday in a daring move to protect its inhabitants and stop illegal activity.
According to Akhere Paul, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, the demolition that occurred in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, and Illeh, Esan West Local Government Area, of Edo State, was carried out in compliance with the law.
Akhere called on landlords to make sure that their tenants are properly profiled before subletting their premises, stating that the administration of Monday Okpebholo will not accept any home or establishment being used as a hiding place for illegal activity.
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.”
To prevent regrettable situations like this, you must confirm their name, place of employment, and identity,” Akhere continued. He promised that the exercise will continue, stating that the Okpebholo government had issued an order to rid the state of all criminal elements and make it livable for everyone.
Speaking as well, SP Michael Anetor, Commander of the Special Task Force, stated that the exercise will assist in preventing abduction and other criminal activity in the state and function as a deterrent to others.
He emphasized that “a safer and more secure Edo is the duty of all” and urged all Edo residents to help in the fight against abduction by monitoring their neighborhoods and reporting suspicious activity to the local police station
or Special Task Force personnel.
