Police in Delta State, weekend, raided Kokori, an Urhobo community in Ethiope East Local Government Area, alleged to be the headquarters of the flourishing kidnap industry in the state and demolished the country home of the "commander- in-chief", one Mr. Kelvin.
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No fewer than 50-suspected partners in crime of Kelvin, an assumed PhD holder, declared wanted by the police, since last year, were arrested and undergoing interrogation at the time of this report.
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The pulling down of the building, which had served as a hideaway for kidnappers for many years is a major burst through in the war against kidnappers in the state.
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Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan ordered the flattening of the residence after efforts to obtain information from elders and leaders of the community on the whereabouts of Kelvin were rebuffed.
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Intelligence information Commissioner of Police, Delta State, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, who confirmed the demolition of the house and arrest of over 50 suspects to Saturday Vanguard, last night, said intelligence information showed the residence was a training and recruitment center for kidnappers and other criminals in the state.
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Kelvin, declared by the police as the most wanted kidnapper in the state, has been on the run following the intensive manhunt for him, in the past two months, by security agents over his daring escapades, which included killing of soldiers, police officers and warders of the Nigeria Prisons Service, NPF.
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The once-bustling Kokori community was a shadow of itself when Saturday Vanguard visited yesterday morning. It was strangely quiet and most of the shops were under lock and key. Villagers sat indoors in their respective homes even at 10.00 am.
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Saturday Vanguard's Akpokona Omafuaire, who traveled to the town to take pictures of the demolished building escaped being attacked by some youths, suspected to be working for the kidnap top dog.
Kidnapping should in no way be encouraged in a country like Nigeria. It is a very shameful thing for the citizens. Our govt has to tackle that...