The Edo State Government has razed the residence of an alleged kidnapper, Oboh Odianosen, located in Uromi, within the Esan North Local Government Area of the state.
The state’s Task Force against Kidnapping executed the destruction on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, after Odianosen was apprehended and confessed to his role in the offense.
Addressing the press prior to the demolition, Odianosen acknowledged his part in kidnapping a man from Ekpoma, revealing that he and his group of five transported the victim to a forest in Uromi, detaining him there for three days until his family paid N5 million to secure his freedom.
“My name is Odianosen Oboh. This is my house. My father started the building, but I completed it,” he clarified.
“It was my friend, Epama, that I followed for the operation. We abducted a man from Ekpoma and moved him in a car that later broke down. I had to use my motorcycle to take him into the bush in Uromi, where we kept him for three days until his family paid the ransom.”
Odianosen disclosed that he used his N800,000 portion to clear debts, but pointed the finger at his friend for betraying him.
“It was Epama who mentioned my name after he was arrested. Now, they are demolishing my father’s house because of N800,000. My family has no home, and my children are outside. Everyone should stay away from crime,” he mourned.
Following the demolition, Paul Akhere, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Affairs, cautioned that the government would persist in its aggressive stance against kidnappers.
“There is no peace for the wicked. Those still engaging in kidnapping should know that the government will not stop hunting them. Your time will come, and we will come for you. We will chase the kidnappers and continue to pull down their houses,” he declared.
SP Michael Anetor, the Task Force Commander, verified that Odianosen and his accomplices had admitted to the crime, justifying the legal action taken.
This demolition represents the fourth structure leveled by the task force as part of the state’s intensified campaign to tackle kidnapping.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli