Residents of Ubiaja in Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State have applauded the demolition of a building allegedly used as a hideout for kidnapping and drug-related activities by the Edo State Special Security Squad.
The building, reportedly linked to suspected kidnap kingpin, Jerry Okoyomo, was pulled down amid jubilation from residents who described the action as a major breakthrough in the fight against insecurity in the area.
Chairman of the Special Security Squad, Noah Paddy Idemudia, said the property was uncovered during investigations into a recent kidnapping incident in Irrua that 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.
According to Idemudia, preliminary investigations revealed that the building served as a base for criminal operations, including kidnapping and illegal drug activities.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Edo State Government to eliminating criminal hideouts and restoring safety 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 stated.
Idemudia also urged landlords and property owners to conduct proper background checks on prospective tenants before renting out their properties.
“We 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, noting that the building had long been associated with suspicious activities and fear within the community.
“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.
Another resident commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for taking decisive action against insecurity in the state.
Earlier, security operatives at the Ubiaja Police Station 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 with the promise of a cattle-rearing job but later discovered there was no such business.
“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.
However, the prime suspect, Jerry Okoyomo, 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 experience, alleging that one of the suspects moved freely within the community while monitoring victims held in captivity.
The latest operation is part of ongoing efforts by the Governor Monday Okpebholo administration to combat criminality and strengthen public confidence in the security of lives and property across Edo State.