BENIN CITY: Edo State’s renewed crackdown on kidnapping and violent crime recorded a major breakthrough at the weekend as operatives of the Edo State Special Security Squad demolished a property allegedly used as a major operational base by kidnappers in Egbai community, Ovia North-East Local Government Area.
This was contained in a statement issued Sunday in Benin City and signed by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo.
According to the statement, the operation formed part of Governor Okpebholo’s strengthened security architecture and was executed after what authorities described as high-level, intelligence-driven surveillance. Two suspects, identified as Anthony Fedigha Ebimienwei and Luke Disemoh, were arrested and later confessed to their involvement in the abduction of one Blessing Nosa, for whose release ₦30 million ransom was paid.
The suspects were said to have sealed their fate after allegedly abducting another business person and demanding a staggering ₦500 million ransom—a move that triggered a coordinated multi-agency response and sustained tracking that led to their apprehension.
Coordinator of the Edo State Special Security Squad, Noah Idemudia, who spoke at the demolition site, said the action aligned with Governor Okpebholo’s directive to adopt offensive security measures that disrupt criminal operations before they take root. He stressed that the administration’s stance on crime remained uncompromising, warning that Edo would not serve as a haven for kidnappers or any criminal elements.
“These individuals have been in this trade for some time, and it is deeply unfortunate,” Idemudia said, adding that similar operations would continue across the state to ensure that criminal networks were systematically dismantled.
Community leaders also expressed support for the government’s intervention. The Okaighele of Egbai community, Aghaku Ihanuwaze, described the demolition as a courageous and long-overdue step, noting that the hideout had for years been a source of fear for residents. He commended Governor Okpebholo for prioritising the safety and wellbeing of the people.
The demolition, the statement said, marks another milestone in the administration’s broader security reforms, which include strengthened rural surveillance, expanded community-based intelligence structures and enhanced inter-agency collaboration—initiatives residents credit with gradually reshaping the state’s security landscape.
As the Okpebholo administration implements its SHINE Agenda, it reiterated that security remains the foundation on which economic growth, social stability and community development must be built.
