The Edo State Anti-Kidnapping Task Force has demolished properties linked to kidnappers, including a house belonging to Oboh Odianosen, a suspected kidnapper from Uromi town.
Odianosen, who inherited the property, lost it after confessing to his involvement in kidnapping operations in Edo Central Senatorial District.
The demolition took place yesterday following Odianosen’s arrest. Speaking to journalists before the destruction, he admitted to receiving ₦800,000 from his last operation.
“My name is Odianosen Oboh. This is my house. My father built it, but I completed it. I worked with my friend, Epama. We kidnapped a man from Ekpoma. Our car broke down, so I used my bike to transport him. We kept him in the bush in Uromi for three days before they paid us ₦5 million. There were five of us, and I received ₦800,000. I used the money to pay off some debts,” he confessed.
Odianosen explained that his arrest followed Epama’s confession, which implicated him.
“Epama confessed and mentioned my name. That’s why they arrested me. Now they are demolishing my father’s house because of ₦800,000. My family won’t have a home again. My children are out on the streets. Anyone who sees crime should run from it,” he lamented.
Supervising the demolition, Special Adviser on Security Affairs, Mr. Akhere Paul, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating kidnapping in the state.
“There is no peace for the wicked. Those still involved in kidnapping should know that the government will not stop. Your time will come, and we will come for you. We will keep chasing them and continue bringing down their houses,” he warned.
The Commander of the Task Force, SP Michael Anetor, confirmed that Odianosen was part of a gang of five and had confessed to the crime.
“I personally interviewed him. He admitted to working with Palmer, whose house we have also demolished. This should serve as a warning to anyone considering crime. The governor is determined to stop kidnapping, and we at the Task Force will keep working round the clock until we achieve that,” Anetor stated.
