UBIAJA – Residents of Ubiaja in Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State erupted in jubilation on Thursday as the Edo State Special Security Squad demolished a building allegedly used as a hideout for kidnapping and drug-related activities linked to suspected kidnap kingpin, Jerry Okoyomo.
The demolition drew a large crowd of residents who praised the state government, describing the action as a major breakthrough in the fight against criminality in the area.
Chairman of the Special Security Squad, Noah Paddy Idemudia, said the building was uncovered during investigations into a recent kidnapping incident in Irrua which led to the arrest of nine suspected kidnappers.
“This house was identified during investigations into the recent kidnapping incident in Irrua which led to the arrest of nine suspected kidnappers,” he said.
Idemudia disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed that the property allegedly served as an operational base for kidnapping and illegal drug activities. He stressed that the Edo State Government remained resolute in its determination to rid the state of criminal elements.
He warned individuals involved in criminal activities to desist or face the full weight of the law, adding that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo would continue to track down criminals and dismantle structures linked to crime across the state.
“The Edo State Government under Governor Monday Okpebholo will not relent in fishing out criminals and destroying all structures linked to criminal activities across the state,” he said.
Idemudia also urged landlords and property owners to carry out proper profiling and background checks on prospective tenants before renting out their properties, noting that negligence often provides safe havens for criminals.
“We also advise landlords to properly profile individuals before renting out their houses. Some of these criminals hide under false identities to carry out illegal activities,” he added.
Residents who witnessed the demolition expressed relief and commended Governor Okpebholo for what they described as bold action against insecurity in the community. Many said the building had long been notorious for suspicious activities, with residents living in fear due to frequent movements around the area.
“We are very happy today. This house has been a hideout for criminals for a long time and people have been living in fear,” a resident said.
“We thank Governor Monday Okpebholo for taking this bold action. This demolition has brought relief to the community,” another resident added.
Earlier at the Ubiaja Police Station, security operatives paraded suspects arrested in connection with the case.
One of the suspects, Musa Mohammadu, who spoke through an interpreter, claimed he was brought from northern Nigeria under the pretext of securing a cattle-rearing job. According to him, he became suspicious after discovering there was no cattle business and noticing questionable activities among those who brought him to the area.
“I was brought here from the North to rear cattle, but when I got here, I discovered there was no cattle work. I became uncomfortable because of the suspicious activities going on around the place and I told them I wanted to return before the police arrested us,” he said.
The prime suspect, Jerry Okoyomo, however denied involvement in kidnapping, insisting that he was only involved in the sale of hard drugs.
A victim allegedly kidnapped by the gang also narrated her ordeal to journalists, recounting how she was held in the bush during captivity. She alleged that one of the suspects moved freely within the community and only visited the hideout occasionally to supervise operations and monitor victims.
The latest crackdown is seen as another major step by the Governor Monday Okpebholo administration to curb criminal activities and restore public confidence in the security of lives and property across Edo State.
