In its bid to ensure the safety of its citizens and curbing criminal activities in the state, the Edo State Government has commenced the demolition of houses linked to kidnappers.

Leading security personnel on the demolition exercise that took place 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.

Akhere, stressing the state government’s commitment to securing the lives and properties of its citizens, emphasized that the administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo would not tolerate any house or establishment used as a hideout for criminal activities.

He called on landlords to ensure proper profiling of their tenants before subletting their properties.

He assured the people of the state that the exercise would be a continuous one, adding that 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 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.”

Speaking with newsmen, some suspects, Utubor Uchenna and Felix Ebama, who belong to a gang, identified the properties as their hideout before the demolition.

They admitted to the crime, they said they had been involved in high profile kidnapping within Edo Central axis with the last operation fetching them N10 million.