FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Edo State government yesterday demolished a property linked to a
kidnapping gang on College Road, Aduwawa, Ikpoba- okha Local Government Area.
The property is said to belong to a woman whose younger brother, Osamede Asemota, is a key leader of a kidnapping gang.
Asemota, who was arrested by the authorities, confessed to his involvement in kidnapping activities.
He revealed that his last mission earned him N350,000 and that he had kidnapped a woman from her store at Ramat Park, taking her to a bush along Agbor Road.
The gang, comprising five members, had been responsible for several kidnappings in Aduwawa, Eyan and Auchi by-pass axis of Benin City.
AljazirahNigeria gathered that
Asemota’s sister, who owns the demolished property, was unaware of her brother’s activities as she resides abroad.
When asked how he felt about his sister losing her property due to his actions, Asemota expressed confusion and regret.
“We kidnapped the woman in her shop at Ramat Park and took her to the bush around Agbor Park. I was with her in the bush for two days while my share of the ransom was later brought to me by my friends.
“We sometimes meet in this compound to plan and carry out our activities. The house belongs to my sister who lives in Italy. I stay alone here and I feel very sad and confused at this development. I don’t know how she will feel hearing this thing because she has been supportive of me, sending me money and other things. I feel really bad that I had to involve her property this way,” he lamented.
Another suspect, Michael Tare from Delta State, was also arrested in connection with kidnapping. He revealed that he had received N1 million as his share of the ransom, but returned to Benin due to greed, leading to his arrest.
The kidnap gang had demanded a ransom of N8 million from their victim and later demanded additional N3 million, threatening to kidnap her again if she refused to pay.
The Edo State government’s efforts to combat insecurity have been yielding positive results, with several kidnappers and other criminals being arrested and brought to justice.