Reactions Trail Gov Okpebholo’s Decision on Demolition of Houses Linked to Criminal Activities in Edo Central

By Simeon OSAJIE

Recently, the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, directed the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to immediately demolish all houses linked to the sixteen (16) kidnappers that were arrested in Edo Central Senatorial District of the state.

A source from the State CID revealed that Okpebholo’s directive mandates security agents to raid all hideouts of kidnappers and other criminal gangs, and to demolish any buildings harboring them. The prosecution of the suspects is set to commence soon.

Okpebholo who commended the efforts of the security agents, noted that the demolition of the hideouts would serve as a deterrent to other criminals operating in the state. He emphasized that the activities of cultists and other criminals would no longer be tolerated under his administration.

He also announced that about five Hilux vans have been sent to security agents in Edo Central Senatorial District to patrol the area and rid it of any criminal activity.

According to Governor Okpebholo, “Criminals terrorizing the state will have no place to hide as security operatives have been empowered to fish them out wherever they are. We have purchased 75 Hilux vans for the security of our people.”

The governor who explained that it had been established that the buildings to be demolished were being used as dens for criminal activities, stressed that the government policy does not permit any form of criminality in the state.

He warned that, henceforth, in line with the law, criminals would have no safe haven in any part of the state.

Reacting to the decision of Governor Okpebholo, former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and two-time member at the House of Representatives who represented Esan North-East/Esan South-East Federal Constituency at the green chambers of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Friday Itulah; former Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Frank Okiye and member representing Esan North-East/Esan South-East Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Odianosen Okojie hailed the decision of the governor provided that proper investigation is carry to be sure that the owner of the building is aware of what his own structure is being use for.

According to Rt. Hon. Friday Itulah, “that is a very good way of resolving this kidnapping issue in the state. Every action that he has taken is meant to discourage would-be criminals.  For anybody doing that, if the house is demolished after proper investigation that the landlord is a collaborator, then it is a right step in the right direction. I wholeheartedly support it provided the proviso is that, there must be proper investigation to be sure that the owner of the building is aware of what his own structure is being use for.”

In his view, former Speaker Okiye said, “I think it is a better antidote to checking crime particularly of that high magnitude. I am in support of it. So, it now gives some consciousness to landlords that you must know who your tenants are. Anything we can muster to fight security, not only in Edo Central Senatorial District, but the entire state should be supported by all and sundry.”

According the Hon. Odianosen Okiye, “You can see that the Governor is doing very well which signifies that he mean well for the good people of Edo State. It may interest you to know that the Governor bought 75 Hilux vans recently to strengthen the security apparatus of the state, and you will also acknowledge that the priority of the government is to secure lives and properties of the people,

“So, the governor is doing very well in terms of security. I so support him in that decision to say that if anybody, whoever is found housing kidnappers in the state should be adequately dealt with. I give him kudo for that and I will support him with everything to reduce crime in the state.”