By Elijah Adeyemi -A Benin City resident, Mr. Akhere Kingsley, has reportedly gone into hiding following the demolition of his residence by government authorities after security investigations allegedly linked the property to a suspected kidnapping syndicate operating in Edo State.
The development followed the tragic abduction and killing of a community chief in Evbuorioba Community, off Airport Road, Benin City, whose death sparked an intensive security operation across the area.
According to sources in the community, the chief was kidnapped on April 13, 2026, and held captive for seven days. He was reportedly killed on April 20 after his family failed to meet the ransom demands of his abductors.
Investigations into the incident allegedly led to the arrest of one suspect, Agbonovbere lucky connected to the kidnapping and murder. The suspect was said to have guided security operatives to a hideout located at No. 3, Godswill Olise Street, Evbuorioba Community, off Airport Road, Benin City, a property belonging to Mr. Kingsley.
During the operation, several suspects were reportedly apprehended, while others escaped arrest.
Following the discovery, authorities demolished the building on May 6 as part of efforts to combat kidnapping and cult-related activities in the state. Sources alleged that members of Mr. Kingsley’s family, including his wife and mother-in-law, were assaulted during the demolition exercise, although these claims could not be independently verified.
The incident has placed Mr. Akhere Kingsley at the centre of a growing controversy, with reports indicating that security agencies declared him wanted in connection with the property allegedly used by the criminal gang. The move is said to be in line with the state’s anti-cultism and anti-criminality measures aimed at discouraging landlords from providing shelter to criminal elements.
However, the embattled landlord is said to be facing threats from another direction. Sources close to the family alleged that some fleeing members of the gang suspected him of providing information that led to the arrests of their associates. Consequently, threatening messages were reportedly sent to him by members of the group.
The dual pressure from both security agencies and suspected criminal elements has reportedly forced Mr. Kingsley to abandon his home and flee Edo State for fear of his life.
Kingsley Akhere ordeal started barely five months after he survived a kidnapping incident that claimed the life of his elder brother, Mr. Akhere Osewe.
Family members recounted that on December 15, 2025, the two brothers were abducted by gunmen while working on their farm, which housed a thriving piggery and livestock business.
According to relatives, Mr. Osewe was killed during the abduction after allegedly resisting the kidnappers. The kidnappers subsequently demanded a substantial ransom for Kingsley’s release.
To secure his freedom, his wife reportedly sold off a significant portion of the family’s assets and properties to raise the required funds. Although he was eventually released, family sources said the experience left him financially devastated, with much of his livelihood lost to the ransom payment.
Residents of Evbuorioba Community have continued to express concern over the rising cases of kidnapping and cult-related violence in the area, calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to protect innocent citizens while ensuring that investigations are conducted fairly and in accordance with the law.
As of the time of filing this report, the threat from the suspected cult and kidnapping syndicates is still ongoing. Similarly, all efforts by the state authority to get him to explain his role in the matter has been abortive, as kingsley s whereabouts remains unknown.
