EDO GOVT DEMOLISHES BUILDING LINKED TO SUSPECTED KIDNAP KINGPIN, SUMMONS COMMUNITY HEADS FOR RESIDENT PROFILING

By Kingsley Ohens

The Edo State Government has intensified its crackdown on kidnapping and other violent crimes with the demolition of a building allegedly linked to a suspected kidnap kingpin in Obagie-N’Evbuosa Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the state.

The demolition exercise was carried out by the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo in collaboration with security agencies and the Edo State Security Squad, codenamed Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists, as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating within the state.

Speaking during the operation, security officials disclosed that the demolished property had been identified as a suspected hideout where kidnapped victims were allegedly held before being moved to other locations.

According to the security team, the property is allegedly owned by Solomon Johnson, a suspected leader of a kidnapping syndicate who is currently in police custody. Investigators alleged that Johnson and members of his gang had terrorised residents of Obagie-N’Evbuosa and surrounding communities through a series of kidnapping operations.

The officials further alleged that the syndicate recently demanded an N11 million ransom for the release of a victim and had planned to abduct the victim’s wife before security operatives intervened and arrested the suspect.

Authorities described the demolition as both a punitive and deterrent measure intended to send a strong message that the Edo State Government will not tolerate kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, or any other form of violent criminal activity within its territory.

Security operatives also alleged that while some of the suspected kidnappers operating in the state were non-indigenes, they often relied on the support and collaboration of local accomplices.

Reaffirming the government’s resolve to tackle insecurity, officials declared that Edo State would no longer serve as a safe haven for criminal elements, while assuring law-abiding residents of the administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

As part of broader efforts to strengthen grassroots security architecture, the Edo State Government announced plans to convene a meeting of Okaigheles (community heads) from across the state to discuss resident profiling, intelligence gathering, and community-based security initiatives. Community leaders will be expected to maintain proper records of residents and newcomers within their communities and collaborate closely with security agencies to identify and prevent criminal activities.

Meanwhile, during preliminary interrogation, a 28-year-old suspect, Solomon Johnson, who identified himself as a a bricklayer from Delta State, allegedly admitted to working for an individual identified simply as “Efe,” whom he described as being involved in kidnapping and armed robbery operations. Johnson claimed that his role involved selling mobile phones, laptops, and other valuables allegedly taken from victims, adding that he received commissions from the proceeds, sometimes earning as much as N50,000 from a single transaction.

Police authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that efforts are being intensified to apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network.

The Edo State Government has reiterated its commitment to sustaining the fight against kidnapping and violent crime, assuring residents that all necessary measures will continue to be deployed to safeguard communities across the state.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday, July 2, 2026, by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State.