Edo Govt Begins Demolition of Crime-Linked Properties – Eterno Hotel in Benin Among First Targets

Edo Govt Begins Demolition of Crime-Linked Properties – Eterno Hotel in Benin Among First Targets

The Edo State Government has started pulling down buildings linked to criminal activities, and one of the first targets is a well-known hotel in Benin City.

The demolition exercise, which kicked off over the weekend, is part of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s renewed fight against cultism, kidnapping, and violent crime across the state. A duplex located in Benin, reportedly used for kidnapping and organ harvesting, was the first to go. Not long after, Eterno Hotel and a nearby event centre were sealed off following reports that they served as hideouts for cult groups.

According to the Governor’s media team, the hotel and the event centre were being used as meeting points by gangs who later carried out deadly attacks in different parts of the city.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor, Chief Press Secretary Fred Itua said the government had solid intelligence linking the property to criminal operations. He revealed that the demolished duplex was the scene of a disturbing crime involving the killing of a young woman. The suspect behind the crime was later tracked to Lagos and arrested. Human parts were allegedly found in his possession.

“That house belonged to the suspect’s father. The man has been cooperating with the police, and he even helped uncover the full story,” Itua said. “The government isn’t just demolishing buildings for show. These are targeted actions backed by the law. If your property is linked to crime, it will go down.”

He also made it clear that the crackdown has nothing to do with politics or vendettas.

“This is not political. It’s about restoring order and protecting lives. Nobody is above the law,” he added.

“My Own Son Did This… A Father’s Pain

Mr. Martins Oghenewore, the father of the main suspect, shared his heartbreak. According to him, he got the worst call of his life from his wife, telling him their son had murdered someone in their house.

“I called the police immediately and they followed me home. We found the woman’s body in his quarters and took it to the mortuary,” he said, still in shock. “That house was my life savings. Now it’s gone. But I understand the government’s action. Something has to change.”

He explained that his son had been troubled for years — from alcohol issues to erratic behavior — and despite all efforts to help, nothing worked.

More Demolitions Coming

Governor Okpebholo has said this is just the beginning. More demolitions are on the way as the state moves to clean up criminal hotspots.

Residents are being encouraged to speak up and report any suspicious buildings or activities around them.

“We can’t allow crime to thrive under any disguise — not in hotels, event centres, or even private homes,” the Governor’s office said in a follow-up statement.

As Edo pushes forward with this tough stance, many hope it marks a real turning point in the fight for a safer, more peaceful state.