Timothy Omobude 
As part the government bold step towards ensuring the safety of its citizens and curbing criminal activities, Edo State government has commenced the demolition of houses linked to kidnappers.
Leading security personnel on the demolition exercise in Illeh, Esan West Local Government Area and Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of the State, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr. Akhere Paul said the demolition exercise was in accordance with the law.
He said the State Government’s commitment to securing lives and properties of its citizens is a topmost priority under the current administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo and will not tolerate any house or establishment used as a hideout for criminal activities and called on landlords to ensure proper profiling of their tenants before subletting their properties.
The chief press secretary to Gov Okpebholo, Fred Itua in a statement made available to Daily-Flash said; This house has been used for criminal activities, they keep kidnapped victims here, and a raid by men of the Nigerian Police Force recovered some dangerous weapons as well.
The new law on kidnapping recently passed by the Edo State House of Assembly and signed by Governor Monday Okpebholo, any house found being used for kidnapping activities will be demolished
“This will serve as a deterrent to others. You must profile a person before giving out your house to him or her for rent. Go to the police station and let them help you in profiling the new person before you give out your property. You must verify their identity, where they work, and who they are to avoid unfortunate incidence as this,” Mr. Akhere stressed.
He assured the people of the State, that the exercise will be a continuous one as the State Government under Governor Okpebholo has given a marching order to flush out all criminal elements in the State and make it habitable for all.
Also speaking, the Commander, Special Task Force, SP Michael Anetor, said the exercise which is in accordance with the law would serve as a deterrent to others and help checkmate kidnapping and other criminal activities in the State.
He called on all Edo citizens to assist in the fight against kidnapping by keeping watch over their vicinities and reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police station or to members of the Special Task Force, stressing that, “a safer and secured Edo is the duty of all.
