A mansion belonging to an alleged kingpin of a kidnapping syndicate linked to several abduction cases in Uromi and its environs, Christian Okoduwa, has been demolished by the Edo State government.

The mansion, located in the Amedokhian area of Uromi, Esan North-East local government area, was demolished following an investigation and verification of the information.

Secretary of the Edo State Security Squad, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists,” John Izegaegbe, said Okoduwa was currently in police custody.

He said Okoduwa was linked to several kidnapping activities in Uromi and was responsible for coordinating criminal operations by bringing suspected criminal elements from neighbouring states and communities to carry out kidnapping activities.

He said, “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 blockchain where he imports machinery to Uromi from neighbouring states and communities to carry out kidnapping businesses.

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“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.

“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.

“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 said.

Izegaegbe said several suspects who were arrested mentioned Okoduwa’s name during investigations and linked him to kidnapping operations in the area.

(The Nation)