Edo demolishes crime-linked buildings, sparks legal uproar

DDM News

The Edo State Government has launched a bold campaign to curb crime by demolishing properties allegedly tied to kidnapping, cultism, and other violent activities.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that the initiative, part of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s intensified security operations, commenced with the demolition of a residential duplex in Benin City.

According to government sources, the building was used in the abduction and organ harvesting of a young woman.

This demolition signals the beginning of a wider plan to identify and destroy structures used by criminal groups across the state.

Addressing the press during the operation, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Fred Itua, disclosed that Eterno Hotel and a well-known event centre in Benin have also been sealed.

Authorities claim that these facilities served as meeting points for cultists before launching deadly attacks.

Mr. Itua clarified that the demolition campaign is not politically driven but rather based on laws enacted by the current administration.

He stated that the Governor is committed to ending criminal activities and will pursue the demolition of any property proven to be involved.

The demolished duplex reportedly served as the location where the young woman was lured, killed, and mutilated.

Investigations suggest that her organs were removed, hinting at ritual or black-market motives.

The suspect, identified as the son of the building owner, was arrested in Lagos and is currently awaiting extradition to Edo State for prosecution.

Law enforcement confirmed that human body parts were recovered during his arrest.

His father, Mr. Martins Oghenewore, expressed his heartbreak over the events.

He said he received a call from his wife on the 23rd of the month, informing him that their son had killed a woman in his private quarters.

He immediately contacted the police, who accompanied him to the house and transported the body to the mortuary.

Mr. Oghenewore described his son as a troubled individual who had been difficult for many years.

He narrated how he supported his education from primary school through university in Ekpoma.

Despite all efforts, his son struggled with alcohol abuse, mental instability, and often disappeared for days.

He revealed that he had taken his son to psychiatric hospitals, rehab centres, and traditional healers in search of help.

Still, the young man remained unstable and detached from the family.

The devastated father explained that the demolished house was built with his pension and meant to be his retirement plan.

He watched helplessly as it was brought down by authorities, a consequence of his son’s actions.

Governor Okpebholo, through Mr. Itua, said the demolition was in line with state laws and would be extended to all properties linked to crimes.

He noted that such actions are meant to destroy the infrastructure that supports criminality and deter others from similar behavior.

This crackdown comes amid growing public concern over increasing cult violence, kidnappings, and ritual killings in Edo State.

Residents have frequently raised alarm over hotels, guest houses, and residential buildings being used by criminals.

By targeting such structures, the government hopes to make the state hostile for violent groups and criminal networks.

Governor Okpebholo urged citizens to support the initiative by reporting suspicious activities and properties to law enforcement agencies.

He maintained that public safety must take precedence over individual property rights when criminality is involved.

As more demolitions are expected in the coming weeks, the government insists that its actions are lawful and necessary.

However, critics argue that destroying properties before judicial verdicts could set a dangerous precedent.

Some believe the state should wait for proper convictions before carrying out demolitions to avoid punishing innocent property owners.

Despite these concerns, the Okpebholo administration remains firm in its stance that crime will no longer be tolerated.

The ongoing demolitions have sparked a debate about justice, human rights, and the limits of state power in fighting crime.

As the government continues its crackdown, many eyes will be on Edo to see whether these actions will bring lasting peace or further controversy.

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