In a continued effort to curb kidnapping in Edo State, the State Government, on Friday, stormed a major hideout used by kidnappers in Esan North-East Local Government Area, Edo Central Senatorial District.
The Taskforce during the operation cleared abandoned structures and thick bushes along the Uzea-Itakpe railway corridor being used by kidnappers. The exercise was led by the Taskforce against kidnapping, aimed to eliminate criminal hideouts and improve visibility for enhanced security surveillance.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr. Akhere Paul, described the area as a notorious transit point for kidnappers operating along the railway axis, Esan forests, and parts of Etsako West. He explained that criminals used the abandoned structures as temporary holding camps for their victims before relocating them.
“If they kidnap people here, they bring them to this hideout, rest, and then move them to other locations, including Itakpe in Kogi State and Ama Community in Etsako West. This area has been a hotspot for kidnappings, affecting both the wealthy and poor, including farmers who use this route. As a government, we will not rest until kidnapping is eradicated in Edo State,” he stated.
The Commander of the Taskforce, SP Michael Anetor, emphasized that intelligence reports and recent arrests informed the demolition exercise.
“The DPO covering this area and the local government authorities have investigated, and our findings confirm that this location is a strategic point for kidnappers. They ambush victims, and if moving them immediately is not feasible, they hold them here before proceeding. These abandoned houses and dense trees serve as their operational base,” Anetor explained.
He further assured residents that security agencies would sustain their crackdown on criminal elements to restore safety in the area.
Meanwhile, some residents who preferred to remain anonymous confirmed that the abandoned structures and overgrown vegetation had long served as hideouts for criminals, allowing them to monitor potential victims before launching attacks.
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