Edo State’s intensified crackdown on violent crime has yielded another major breakthrough with the demolition of a notorious kidnappers’ hideout in Egbai community, Ovia North-East Local Government Area. The operation was carried out by the Edo State Special Security Squad as part of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s strengthened security initiative.
In a statement signed by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Owaen Fred Itua, two suspects, identified as Anthony Fedigha Ebimienwei and Luke Disemoh, were arrested after sustained intelligence-led surveillance. Authorities said the men confessed to kidnapping a woman, Blessing Nosa, for whom a ₦30 million ransom was paid. Their arrest followed another attempted abduction in which they allegedly demanded ₦500 million from a businessperson, prompting a coordinated multi-agency response.
At the demolition site, Coordinator of the Special Security Squad, Noah Idemudia, said the operation aligns with Governor Okpebholo’s directive to deploy proactive and offensive security measures across the state. He stressed that Edo State will not tolerate criminal activities, warning that similar operations will continue until criminal networks are dismantled.
Community leaders voiced strong support for the government’s action. The Okaighele of Egbai community, Aghaku Ihanuwaze, said the area had long been troubled by kidnappers and hailed the intervention as “courageous and long overdue.” He noted that the demolition has restored a sense of safety to residents.
The latest operation marks another step in Governor Okpebholo’s broader SHINE Agenda, which prioritises enhanced rural surveillance, stronger community-based intelligence, and improved inter-agency cooperation—initiatives that residents say are transforming the state’s security landscape.
