Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has launched an aggressive crackdown on kidnappers and cultists, beginning with the demolition of properties linked to criminal activities across the state.
The latest operation saw the demolition of a residential duplex in Benin City identified as the site of a kidnapping and organ harvesting incident. According to the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Fred Itua, the suspect involved in the gruesome killing of a young woman has been arrested in Lagos and will be extradited to Edo for prosecution.
“This building was where the crime took place. It is owned by the suspect’s father, who is cooperating with law enforcement,” Itua said. “This is just the beginning. Other properties tied to criminal acts will be demolished in accordance with existing laws.”
In addition to the demolished building, the state government also sealed off Eterno Hotel and a nearby event centre, which officials say have been used by cult groups as staging grounds for attacks.
Dismissing allegations of political motivation, Mr. Itua emphasized that the crackdown targets crime, not individuals. “This is not a witch-hunt. The law must take its course. The Governor is determined to restore safety and order across Edo State,” he added.
The property owner, Mr. Martins Oghenewore, expressed heartbreak over the situation. He recounted how he reported his own son to the police after discovering the crime. “I trained him through university, took him to rehab, but he’s been troubled for years. Now I’ve lost everything,” he said, watching as his home was demolished.
Authorities confirmed the recovery of human body parts from the suspect at the time of arrest. Investigations continue as the government intensifies efforts to dismantle networks of violent crime in the state.
