By Simeon OSAJIE
The Edo State Government has pulled down illegal structures and shanties used as hideouts for suspected kidnappers along the Okpella–Okene Expressway, Etsakp East local government area of the state.
The demolished structures, located at the Obu/Oguda/Bua Cement Axis of the local government area, were uncovered through intelligence reports and investigations as operational bases from which kidnappers allegedly carried out their nefarious activities.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor of the state, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele and made available to Journalists in Benin, the state capital.
Ebojele said findings revealed that the area served as a holding point where abducted victims were kept before ransoms were demanded and collected.
According to him, “The axis has long been dreaded by residents and motorists, having gained notoriety as a haven for hardened criminals who instilled fear in the area.
“Several past attempts to flush them out reportedly proved abortive, making the location a major security concern for the Okpebholo-led administration.
“However, on December 20, 2025, at about 9:30 am, the area fell to the superior strategic planning and resolve of the Edo State Government as the illegal structures were pulled down, restoring a sense of safety to the community”, .
Going further, Dr. Ebojele said that the demolition exercise was carried out by the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency, led by Town Planning Officer, Williams Ovenseri, who supervised the removal of the illegal shanties used by the suspected criminals.
He added that, during the operation, the suspects reportedly resisted security efforts by blocking the Okpella–Okene Expressway at the Obu/Oguda/Bua cement Axis, allegedly using human shields. Despite the resistance, security forces maintained control and ensured the success of the operation.
The CPS pointed out that the operation was led by Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Benjamin Abang, DC Operations, Edo State Command, who coordinated a combined team of police personnel and officers of the Nigerian Army. The exercise was concluded successfully without any casualties or recorded incidents.
“With the demolition completed, the area, once a hotspot for kidnappings and attacks on motorists, has become relatively calm, while security agencies continue to maintain surveillance to prevent any resurgence of criminal activities.
“The successful operation marks a significant breakthrough for the Okpebholo administration, underscoring its firm commitment to winning the war against crime and ensuring the safety of lives and property across Edo State”, he added.