… As Edo govt demolishes houses linked to kidnappers

The House of Representatives has called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to deploy additional security personnel to the Okpekpe community, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, given the recent killings of innocent persons by suspected herdsmen.

The resolution of the Committee followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance, sponsored by a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, representing Esan West/Esan East/Igueben Federal Constituency, Edo State, Mr Marcus Onobun.

Drumming support for the motion on Wednesday, Onobun lamented that Edo State, hitherto known for its peaceful ambience, is gradually becoming a troubled spot owing to the violent campaign of herdsmen.

He said, “The House is disturbed that the heartbeat of the nation is losing its rhythmic pulse as the state has in recent times been clobbered by dire insecurity challenges.

“According to a report published in the online Leadership Newspaper on 26th February 2025, over 32 persons have lost their lives in the state due to the activities of marauders, popularly referred to as killer herdsmen.

“The House notes that the report alleged that two Indigenous individuals in the Okpekpe community in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State were gruesomely murdered on Monday, 24th February 2025, by suspected killer herdsmen.

“Similarly, the report also alleged that no fewer than 28 persons were left dead after a violent clash between cocoa farmers and Ijaw militants in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State.”

He said, “The House is worried that this series of bloodbaths in Edo State has created an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear among the people of the state, affecting the socio-economic lives of the people.

“We are disturbed that the Government of Edo seemed to have been overwhelmed by the spate and frequency of these killings, hence the need for the Federal Government to lend a helping hand to the state to curb this ugly menace.”

Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged the Inspector General of Police to deploy additional security personnel and intensify intelligence gathering and surveillance operations in identified flashpoints within Edo State.

Meanwhile , the Edo State Government has begun the demolition of buildings used as hideouts for kidnapping, in line with its commitment to securing lives and property. 

The exercise, which took place in Illeh, Esan West Local Government Area, and Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, was led by security personnel in compliance with the state’s recently passed kidnapping and anti-cultism laws.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr. Akhere Paul, stated that the demolition was necessary to deter criminals and prevent the use of residential properties for illegal activities.

He warned landlords to properly screen their tenants before renting out their properties, urging them to seek police assistance in verifying identities.

“This house has been used for criminal activities. Kidnapped victims were kept here, and during a police raid, dangerous weapons were recovered. 

According to the new law on kidnapping signed by Governor Monday Okpebholo, any house found to be used for such activities will be demolished,” Akhere said.

He assured residents that the government would continue the crackdown on criminals and would not hesitate to destroy any property linked to kidnappers or cultists. 

He emphasized that the administration of Governor Okpebholo is determined to rid the state of criminal elements and create a safer environment for all.

Commander of the Special Task Force, SP Michael Anetor, reiterated that the demolition exercise was in line with the law and aimed at discouraging criminal activities. 

He called on Edo citizens to be vigilant, report suspicious movements, and support the government’s efforts in making the state crime-free.

During the operation, two suspects, Utubor Uchenna and Felix Ebama, who belong to a seven-man gang, confessed that the demolished properties served as their hideouts. 

They admitted to being involved in several kidnappings in Edo Central, with their last operation earning them a ransom of ₦10 million.

Utubor Uchenna, the gang leader, revealed that their most recent victim was targeted because of the luxury car he drove. 

The victim and a lady who was with him were kidnapped and later released unharmed after the ransom was paid.