Two alleged kidnappers have been apprehended by the Edo State Special Security Squad in the Egbai community of Ovia North-East Local Government Area.
Governor Monday Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said in a statement on Sunday that the security group also destroyed a property that the local kidnappers used as a base of operations.
The statement claims that after what security officials called “high-level, intelligence-driven surveillance,” the accused kidnappers were taken into custody on Saturday.
Upon being paraded, the suspects admitted to being involved in the kidnapping of Blessing Nosa, whose release required a ₦30 million ransom.
After allegedly kidnapping another businessperson and demanding an astounding ₦500 million ransom, the two sealed their destiny. This led to an extended multi-agency reaction and persistent tracking, which resulted in their capture.
Speaking at the destruction site, Edo State Security Squad Coordinator Noah Idemudia stated that Okpebholo’s order to implement aggressive security measures that stop crime before it starts was in line with the demolition of the hideout.
Idemudia emphasized that the administration’s position on crime is still unwavering.
“These people have been in this trade for a while, and it is really regrettable,” he continued. Let this be a clear warning: Edo State is not a safe haven for kidnappers or other criminal elements under Governor Okpebholo’s leadership.
In order to guarantee that criminal networks are methodically destroyed, he continued, similar operations would be carried out throughout the state.
Speaking on the event, Aghaku Ihanuwaze, the Okaighele (young leader) of the Egbai Community, praised Okpebholo for what he called “a courageous and long-overdue intervention.”
He disclosed that criminal groups had been taking advantage of the area for years, and he expressed joy that the authorities had now taken significant action to restore safety.
“This hideout has been a source of fear for our community,” he stated. We appreciate Governor Okpebholo’s prompt action and commitment to our people’s safety.
Earlier this month, competing cult groups clashed in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, and one person was reportedly seriously injured.
After coordinated raids, the ESSC moved quickly to the area and detained 31 people. A violent altercation between opposing cult groups on November 13 was connected to the arrests.
On November 16, the squad also carried out concurrent operations against known hiding places in Osigbemhe Lane, Okhenlen-Uromi; Arue Street, Ivue-Uromi; and surrounding locations.
The most recent operation, along with numerous others carried out by the Edo State Special Security Squad, highlights the administration’s increased dedication to protecting lives and rebuilding public trust throughout the state’s rural and urban areas.
