The Edo State Government has demolished a building in Ubiaja, Esan South East Local Government Area, allegedly used as a base for kidnapping and drug-related crimes.
Speaking during the exercise, Chairman of the Edo State Special Security Squad, Noah Idemudia, disclosed that the property was uncovered during investigations into a recent kidnapping incident in Irrua that resulted in the arrest of nine suspected kidnappers.
According to him, “This house was identified during investigations into the recent kidnapping incident in Irrua which led to the arrest of nine suspected kidnappers.”
Idemudia explained that preliminary investigations revealed that the building was being used to coordinate criminal operations, including kidnapping and illegal drug activities. He reiterated the state government’s resolve to eliminate criminal elements operating across Edo State.
He warned individuals involved in criminal activities to abandon such acts or face the consequences of the law, stressing that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo would sustain efforts aimed at tracking down criminals and demolishing properties linked to unlawful activities.
“The Edo State Government under Governor Monday Okpebholo will not relent in fishing out criminals and destroying all structures linked to criminal activities across the state,” he said.
The security squad chairman also urged landlords and property owners to properly screen intending tenants before leasing out their buildings, noting that failure to carry out background checks often creates shelter for criminals.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office sealed off Pinnock Beach Estate in Osapa London, Lekki, over the alleged discharge of untreated sewage into a canal through a pumping machine, an act said to have caused environmental pollution, offensive odour and threats to public health and aquatic life.
The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the enforcement action followed several warnings and abatement notices issued to the estate management.
The agency also shut down a property located at No. 28 Amodu Street, Itire, Surulere, after residents reportedly complained about the continuous discharge of untreated sewage into a neighbouring compound and public drainage channels, which authorities described as a serious environmental and health risk.
Other affected properties included a building on Oladipo Dumoye Street, Mashy Hill Estate, Ado Road, Ajah, Eti-Osa, Lagos, as well as Vintage Heights Estate on Ojulari Street, Elegushi, Lekki, Eti-Osa.
Wahab reiterated the importance of compliance with proper wastewater disposal regulations, warning that residents and organisations violating environmental laws would face sanctions and possible prosecution in line with existing regulations.
