In a significant step toward addressing the fallout from recent property demolitions across the state, the Edo State Government has officially launched a comprehensive profiling exercise for affected victims. This initiative, announced by state officials, is designed to identify and document those impacted by demolitions linked to criminal activities, such as kidnapping, cultism, and internet fraud, with the ultimate goal of facilitating land restitution, compensation, and broader support mechanisms.
The exercise comes amid Governor Monday Okpebholo’s ongoing crackdown on crime, which has seen multiple high-profile demolitions in recent months. Properties in areas like Illeh (Esan West LGA), Uromi (Esan North East LGA), and Ogheghe (near Benin City) have been razed under the state’s anti-kidnapping and anti-cultism laws. These actions, enforced since March 2025, target structures used as hideouts for criminal gangs, with authorities recovering weapons and uncovering evidence of prolonged victim detentions and ritualistic practices.
Key Details of the Profiling Initiative
- Objective: To compile a verified database of victims, enabling the government to process claims for alternative land allocation, financial compensation, and rehabilitation. Officials emphasize that this is a “path toward resolution” for families displaced by the demolitions, many of whom were innocent landlords or tenants unaware of criminal misuse.
- Process: Affected individuals are required to present ownership documents, identification, and proof of impact at designated verification centers in Benin City and affected LGAs. The exercise, running from November 25 to December 5, 2025, involves on-site assessments by the Edo State Committee on Land Dispute Resolution and security agencies.
- Official Statements: Dr. Abdulwasiu Oyakhire, Secretary to the Committee, stated, “This profiling is not just administrative—it’s a commitment to justice. We will authenticate claims and issue Certificates of Occupancy where applicable, ensuring no genuine victim is left behind.” Governor Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance policy, warning, “While we demolish crime’s foundations, we rebuild lives. Edo must be safe, but fair.”
Background on Recent Demolitions
The profiling directly responds to demolitions that began intensifying under the Okpebholo administration:
- March 2025: Houses in Illeh and Uromi, linked to a seven-member kidnapping gang, were demolished after suspects Utubor Uchenna and Felix Ebama confessed to operations yielding N10 million ransoms. Raids uncovered weapons and victim detention sites.
- April 2025: A cultists’ hideout in Ogheghe was flattened, revealing shrines and evidence of years-long kidnappings. The governor personally oversaw the exercise.
- Ongoing Enforcement: These actions align with the Anti-Kidnapping Bill and Cultism-Related Offenses Law, both signed by Governor Okpebholo. Landlords have been urged to profile tenants rigorously to avoid future incidents.
Human rights groups have welcomed the profiling but called for transparency to prevent miscarriages of justice, echoing past protests in 2022 over uncompensated demolitions under the previous administration. As of now, over 200 claims have been registered, with initial payouts expected by mid-December.
This development underscores Edo State’s dual focus on security and equity, particularly in the Niger Delta region where land disputes often intersect with economic and criminal challenges. Residents are encouraged to visit edostate.gov.ng for registration details.
