The Edo State Government on Wednesday began the demolition of houses where suspected kidnappers kept their victims even as two alleged abductors, Utubor Uchenna and Felix Ebama, revealed how they collected N10m ransom from two of their victims in their last operation before they were arrested.

The duo stated this when they were taken to identify the houses where they kept their victims.

While speaking to journalists, the suspects, who belonged to a gang of seven, admitted to the crime and identified the property as their hideout before the demolition.

Admitting to the crime, they said they had been involved in high-profile kidnapping within the Edo Central area with the last operation fetching them N10m.

Uchenna noted that their last victim was abducted because of the luxury car he drives and was kidnapped alongside a lady. He said both victims were released unhurt after parting with a ransom of N10m.

Uchenna said, “The last operation we did fetched us N10m ransom. We abducted a man who drove flashy cars and he was with a lady and they were both kidnapped.

“We are here to identify the house where we kept our victims and we have been involved in several kidnapping operations.”

Meanwhile, in a bold step to ensure the safety of its citizens and curb criminal activities, the Edo State Government on Wednesday began the demolition of houses linked to kidnappers.

Leading security personnel on the demolition that took place in Illeh, Esan West Local Government Area and Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Akhere Paul, said the exercise was in accordance with the law.

Akhere said the administration of Monday Okpebholo would not tolerate any house or establishment used as a hideout for criminal activities and called on landlords to ensure proper profiling of their tenants before subletting their properties.

He said, “This house has been used for criminal activities. They keep kidnapped victims here, and a raid by men of the Nigeria Police Force recovered some dangerous weapons as well.

“According to the new law on kidnapping recently passed by the Edo State House of Assembly and signed by Governor Monday Okpebholo, any house found being used for kidnapping activities will be demolished.

“This will serve as a deterrent to others. You must profile a person before giving out your house to him or her for rent. Go to the police station and let them help you in profiling the new person before you give out your property.”

You must verify their identity, where they work, and who they are to avoid unfortunate incidents like this,” Akhere added.

He assured the people that the exercise would be continuous saying the Okpebholo government had given a marching order to flush out all criminal elements and make the state 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 check 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 members of the Special Task Force, stressing that, “a safer and secured Edo is the duty of all.”