Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has
launched a crackdown on crime-related properties, beginning with the demolition
of buildings connected to kidnappings and cult-related violence in the state.
During the demolition of a residential duplex in Benin
City used for kidnapping and organ harvesting, the Chief Press Secretary to the
Governor, Mr. Fred Itua, who spoke on behalf of Governor Monday Okpebholo, told
journalists that the government had also sealed off Eterno Hotel and an event
centre. These facilities, according to Governor Okpebholo, are being used by
cult groups as gathering points before launching attacks that claim several
lives.
Mr. Itua confirmed that the demolished property was
the site of a gruesome crime involving the abduction and killing of a young
woman for organ harvesting. He revealed that the suspect has been arrested in
Lagos and will be extradited to Edo State to face prosecution.
“The building was where the crime occurred, and it is
owned by the father of the suspect, who has also made useful statements to the
authorities,” Mr. Itua stated. “His Excellency has directed that this is only
the beginning. More buildings used for criminal activities will be demolished.
This is backed by existing laws enacted by the present administration.”
He emphasized that the crackdown was not politically
motivated, contrary to speculations. “This is not a political witch-hunt. These
buildings were used for acts that contravene the laws of Edo State. The
Governor has made it clear that anyone involved in cultism or related crimes
will face the full force of the law,” he added.
The owner of the demolished building, Mr. Martins
Oghenewore, recounted the shocking moment he learned of the crime. “On the 23rd
of this month, while returning home, my wife called to inform me that our son
had murdered a woman in his quarters. I immediately reported to the police, who
followed me home and helped convey the corpse to the mortuary. I’ve been in
police custody since then,” he said.
Mr. Oghenewore further disclosed that his 28-year-old
son had long exhibited troubling behavior. “I trained him from primary school
through university in Ekpoma. For over a decade, he has been a problem. I took
him to rehab, neuropsychiatric centres, and even traditional healers. He rarely
slept at home, drank excessively, and was often missing. Now he has destroyed
everything I worked for. This house was my retirement plan, and now I’m
watching it being torn down. It’s heartbreaking,” he lamented.
Authorities confirmed the suspect was apprehended in
Lagos with human body parts recovered from him. Investigations are ongoing as
the government intensifies efforts to stamp out kidnapping and cultism across
the state.
Comments:
Leave a Reply