The Edo State Government has arrested an alleged kingpin of a kidnapping syndicate linked to multiple abduction cases in Uromi and surrounding communities, as part of intensified efforts to combat kidnapping, cultism and other criminal activities across the state.
The suspect, identified as Christian Okoduwa, is currently in police custody in Benin City, while his residence located on Thursday Street, off Amedokhian Road in Uromi, has been demolished following investigations and verified intelligence reports.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele.
Speaking on the operation, the Secretary of the Edo State Security Squad, codenamed Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists, Barrister John Izegaegbe, alleged that investigations linked Okoduwa to a network of kidnapping activities in Uromi and its environs.
According to Izegaegbe, the suspect allegedly coordinated criminal operations by bringing suspected kidnappers from neighbouring states and communities into Uromi to carry out abductions.
“We are in Uromi, and this building behind me, which has been demolished, belongs to one Christian Okoduwa, who has been linked severally to a kidnapping bloc chain where he imports machineries to Uromi from neighbouring states and communities to carry out kidnapping businesses,” he said.
He further alleged that arrests made in connection with kidnapping incidents in Uromi had been traced to Okoduwa and members of his syndicate.
“All arrests made in Uromi and its environs have been linked to him directly and his syndicate, who have allegedly been terrorising the people of Uromi. This is conspiracy and abetting kidnapping,” Izegaegbe stated.
The security official added that investigations identified Okoduwa as a key figure in some of the most serious kidnapping cases recorded in the area.
“Investigation has revealed that he is the mastermind and culprit of some of the most serious kidnapping incidents recorded in Uromi, and the hands of the law have caught up with him,” he said.
Izegaegbe explained that the demolition of the property was carried out in line with the state government's policy against the use of buildings for criminal activities.
“This demolition is the result of kidnapping activities. Any building used for such nefarious activities must go down. We have a marching order, based on investigation and verified information, that this building should be demolished. This is what the law provides, and that is what we have done,” he added.
He also stated that several suspects arrested during ongoing investigations had allegedly mentioned Okoduwa as a key figure in kidnapping operations within the area.
“Most persons arrested have mentioned his name, linking their kidnapping activities to him. This necessitated the demolition of his building in Amedokhian. The government is determined to make Edo crime-free. The law is ready to catch up with and prosecute criminal elements in the state,” Izegaegbe said.
The Edo State Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening security and ensuring that individuals found to be involved in criminal activities face the full weight of the law.
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