No Hiding Place! Edo Govt Demolishes Homes Of Suspected Kidnappers’ Informants

No Hiding Place! Edo Govt Demolishes Homes Of Suspected Kidnappers’ Informants

The Edo State Government, led by Governor Monday Okpebholo, has ramped up its fight against kidnapping by targeting individuals aiding criminal activities. As part of this effort, the state’s task force has demolished another property linked to an alleged informant.…….READ MORE 

The latest demolition occurred in Eshioriri-Erah, Owan East Local Government Area, where the home of a septuagenarian, Mr. Karimu Audu, was destroyed. Authorities accuse Audu of providing intelligence, shelter, and food to suspected kidnappers operating within the Owan and Esan forests.

Speaking anonymously, some villagers alleged that those who opposed his activities had either disappeared under mysterious circumstances or suffered violent attacks on their farmlands.

Addressing journalists at the site, Mr. Akhere Paul, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Affairs, reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance on kidnapping.

“This is about conspiracy. He has been working with kidnappers in the forest. Let this serve as a warning—if you see something, say something. If you aid criminals, justice will catch up with you,” Paul stated.

Echoing this sentiment, SP Michael Anetor, Commander of the Edo State Task Force, assured that the government remains committed to eradicating kidnapping.

“We are here to enforce the law, not to destroy people’s properties, but peace must be restored. Kidnapping must end. With three properties already demolished, let this be a lesson—anyone aiding kidnappers should rethink their actions immediately,” Anetor said.

However, the accused, Audu, denied all allegations, claiming his interactions with herders were legitimate and part of his responsibilities in the community.

“They accuse me of giving information to the ‘Fulani,’ but I don’t. I serve as the chairman of a six-man community committee responsible for collecting and delivering annual payments to the Highness. I do not engage in illegal activities,” he explained.

Eshioriri-Erah, a border town between Owan East and Esan West local government areas, is known for its dense forest, which connects Edo North and Edo Central Senatorial Districts—a terrain often exploited by criminals.

The Edo State Government has vowed to sustain its crackdown on kidnappers and their accomplices, warning that more properties linked to criminal activities will be demolished as part of ongoing efforts to secure the state.