The Edo State Government has declared an all-out war against kidnapping, cultism, and other violent crimes across the state, beginning with the demolition of properties linked to criminal activities.
The crackdown, led by Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, commenced with the demolition of a residential duplex in Benin City, reportedly used as a base for kidnapping and organ harvesting. The building was demolished on the orders of the state government following investigations that linked it to a gruesome crime involving the abduction and murder of a young woman.
Speaking during the exercise, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Fred Itua, stated that the government has also sealed off Eterno Hotel and an event centre alleged to be operational bases for cult groups responsible for orchestrating deadly attacks in the city.
Mr. Itua said;“The building was the site of a horrific crime,it is owned by the father of the suspect, who has made useful statements to the police. The suspect was arrested in Lagos with human body parts in his possession and will be extradited to Edo State for prosecution. This marks the beginning of a sustained offensive against criminal elements in the state.”
He added that the demolition exercise is backed by existing laws enacted by the current administration to rid the state of criminals and ensure safety for law-abiding citizens.
“This is not a political witch-hunt,These are properties directly linked to criminal acts. Governor Okpebholo has made it clear that anyone involved in kidnapping, cultism, or similar crimes will face the full force of the law. More demolitions will follow.”Itua emphasized.
The owner of the demolished building, Mr. Martins Oghenewore, recounted the devastating moment he discovered his son’s involvement in the crime. “On the 23rd of this month, while returning home, my wife called to inform me that our son had murdered a woman in his quarters. I immediately reported to the police, who followed me home and took the corpse to the mortuary. I’ve been in custody since then,” he said.
Visibly distressed, Mr. Oghenewore described his 28-year-old son as troubled and difficult to manage. “I trained him from primary school through university in Ekpoma. For over a decade, he’s been a problem drinking, disappearing for days, never sleeping at home. I took him to rehab, psychiatric centres, even traditional healers. Now he has destroyed everything. This house was my retirement plan, and I’m watching it being torn down. It’s heartbreaking.”
Authorities confirmed that human body parts were recovered from the suspect, who remains in custody as investigations continue.
The state government reiterated its commitment to rooting out criminal networks and ensuring that Edo become unsafe for perpetrators of violent crimes.
