Edo government demolishes building ‘used for internet fraud, kidnapping’ in Benin
Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo, has ordered the demolition of a building reportedly used for internet fraud and kidnapping in the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Fred Itua, the chief press secretary (CPS) to the governor, Okpebholo also warned landlords that his administration would not hesitate to demolish buildings and facilities linked to criminal activities and rituals.
The governor stressed that a crime-free environment remains the priority of his administration.
“I am saddened by what is happening here. Children were kidnapped and kept here for years. You can see the shrines in this apartment—this is wickedness in its highest form. This kind of evil is unacceptable in Edo State,” the statement reads.
“Wherever they hide, we will fish them out and demolish their hideouts. There will be no sanctuary for criminals in Edo State. We are serious and resolute—Edo must be safe.”
Okpebholo announced the plan to transform the sites of demolished properties for public use.
“We are going to build a police station here. Any land where such buildings are taken down will be used to serve the community,” he assured.
“No stone will be left unturned, and no individual, regardless of their status, will be spared under the provisions of the Cultism-Related Offenses Law. We are determined to restore peace and order in Edo State.”
He noted that the state government has made significant progress in its crackdown on cultism, following the demolition of an operational base belonging to a notorious cult group implicated in recent killings in Benin City.
This action follows the enforcement of a new anti-cultism law signed by Okpebholo, which empowers the state government to demolish properties associated with cult activities.
