In a decisive effort to tackle the growing security challenges in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo has initiated the demolition of properties tied to kidnapping and cult-related violence, promising to prosecute all sponsors and collaborators involved.
As stated by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Fred Itua, state officials on Monday carried out the demolition of a residential duplex located in Benin City.
Authorities revealed that the building was the scene of a brutal kidnapping and organ harvesting operation.
The suspect connected to the crime was recently apprehended in Lagos and is expected to be extradited to Edo State to face charges.
“This building was where the crime occurred,” Mr Itua told journalists during the exercise.
“It is owned by the father of the suspect, who has since made useful statements to the authorities. His Excellency has made it clear that this is only the beginning.
“More properties used for criminal activities will be brought down in accordance with laws enacted by the current administration,” he added.
Beyond the destroyed residence, the Edo State Government has sealed off a hotel and an unnamed event centre, both allegedly serving as gathering spots for cult groups before they carried out deadly attacks.
“This is not a political witch-hunt,” Itua stressed, countering claims of political motivation behind the operation.
“These buildings were used for acts that contravene the laws of Edo State. The Governor has said unequivocally that anyone involved in cultism or related crimes will face the full weight of the law,” he stated.
The statement further disclosed that the father of the arrested suspect recounted the shocking moment he discovered the disturbing crime his son had committed.
“On the 23rd of this month, while I was returning home, my wife called to tell me that our son had murdered a woman in his quarters.
“I immediately alerted the police, who followed me home and conveyed the corpse to the mortuary. I’ve been in police custody ever since,” he was quoted as saying.
He went on to describe his son as a deeply disturbed individual who had long posed a challenge to the family.
“I trained him from primary school through university in Ekpoma. For over 10 years, he has been difficult. I took him to rehab, neuropsychiatric centres, and even traditional healers,” he said.
“He rarely slept at home, drank heavily, and would go missing for days. Now he has destroyed everything I worked for. This house was my retirement plan. Watching it being pulled down is heartbreaking,” he added
The suspect, according to authorities, was found in Lagos with human body parts in his possession, though investigations are still underway.
Governor Okpebholo’s administration reiterated its dedication to breaking down criminal syndicates and delivering a strong warning to cultists, kidnappers, and their accomplices.
What you should know
Governor Monday Okpebholo’s crackdown on crime includes demolishing buildings linked to violent acts like kidnapping and cultism. The first demolition was a duplex connected to a suspected murderer and organ harvester, highlighting the administration’s tough stance on insecurity in Edo State.
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