Ubiaja Criminal Hideout Demolition

Residents of Ubiaja in Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State have cheered the demolition of a suspected crime house. The Edo State Special Security Squad carried out the operation.

The building was linked to kidnapping and drug activities. Many residents gathered at the site. They praised the government for acting fast. They said the move brought peace to the area.

Chairman of the squad, Noah Paddy Idemudia, said the team found the house during an investigation. He said the probe followed a kidnapping case in Irrua. That case led to the arrest of nine suspects.

“This house was identified during investigations into the recent kidnapping incident in Irrua which led to the arrest of nine suspected kidnappers,” he said.

Idemudia said early findings showed the house was used for crime. He said it served as a base for kidnapping and drugs.

Ubiaja Criminal Hideout Demolition: Government Push Against Crime

the government will not stop its action against crime. He warned criminals to stop or face the law. He also said Governor Monday Okpebholo’s government will keep removing crime bases.

“We will not relent in fishing out criminals and destroying all structures linked to criminal activities,” he said.

He advised landlords to check tenants well before renting out houses. He said weak checks help criminals hide in communities.

Residents who saw the demolition said they were happy. They said the house had caused fear for a long time.

One resident said they lived in fear because of the house. Another thanked the governor for taking action that brought relief.

Before the demolition, police had paraded suspects in Ubiaja. One suspect, Musa Mohammadu, said he came from northern Nigeria for cattle work.

He said he became suspicious when he saw no cattle business. also noticed strange activities. He said he wanted to leave before the arrest.

Prime Suspect Denies Kidnapping

The alleged gang leader, Jerry Okoyomo, denied kidnapping. He said he only sold illegal drugs.

A victim of the gang also shared her story. She said they held her in the bush during her capture. She said one suspect moved freely in the town while others stayed in the hideout.

The action is part of efforts by the Edo State Government under Governor Monday Okpebholo. The aim is to fight crime and improve safety across the state.