The Enugu State government has taken a bold step in its fight against kidnapping and violent crime by demolishing two semi-detached bungalows used by kidnappers.
The buildings, located in Nokpa near Alulu, Nike, in Enugu East Local Government Area, were used as a hideout where victims were held for ransom.
The demolition was carried out on Friday, in line with Section 315 (Second Amendment) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 30, Laws of Enugu State.
This law empowers the state to destroy properties used for criminal activities, such as kidnapping.
Speaking at the demolition site, Uche Anya, Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, emphasized Governor Peter Mbah’s determination to rid the state of criminal elements.
Anya made it clear that the state government is committed to ensuring the safety of residents and will not back down from the fight against kidnapping.
“This is an open warfare, and it will not stop until we wipe out the criminal elements,” Anya stated firmly.
He added that the demolition sends a strong message to criminals that they have no place in Enugu State.
Anya provided details of the criminal activities that led to the demolition of the buildings.
He explained that on September 27th, 2024, at around 7 PM, a gang of kidnappers abducted two men, Chibuoke Charles and Mr. Emma Okeke, near the Federal University of Allied Health Sciences in Trans Ekulu, Enugu.
The kidnappers took their victims to the house in Nokpa, where they hoped to receive a ransom of ₦40 million.
However, their plan was thwarted by law enforcement officers, who were already tracking the gang.
The security agencies, armed with sophisticated technology provided by Governor Mbah’s administration, launched a successful operation to rescue the victims.
On September 29th, the police crack squad stormed the kidnappers’ hideout.
When the officers arrived, members of the gang guarding the kidnap victims opened fire on the rescue team. But they were quickly overpowered by the police, and the victims were rescued.
“Members of the gang guarding the kidnap victims opened fire on the rescue team but were overpowered and neutralized during the rescue operation,” Anya revealed.
The kidnappers’ efforts to escape using charms and other weapons failed, as the police recovered three automatic rifles, dangerous weapons, fetish objects, and hard drugs from the building.
“This operation is a testament to the brilliance and bravery of the police crack squad,” Anya added.
The demolition of the buildings used by the kidnappers is part of the Enugu State government’s ongoing efforts to clamp down on criminal activities.
Anya issued a stern warning to criminals, urging them to leave the state or face dire consequences.
“This is yet another warning to all criminals in the state to relocate or meet their doom because this administration is determined to go all the way to secure the lives and property of Ndi Enugu,” he said.
He further warned that the government would demolish any property used for criminal activities, including kidnapping and armed robbery.
“The government will not allow you to enjoy your proceeds of crimes in Enugu State. We will not only hunt you down but also demolish any property used for criminal purposes,” Anya declared.
The government’s action is in accordance with the law, specifically Section 315 of the Criminal Code Law of Enugu State, which permits the demolition of buildings used for criminal activities.
In his remarks, Anya also addressed landlords, reminding them of their responsibility to thoroughly vet potential tenants.
He stressed that landlords should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities on their property.
“The onus is on landlords to do their due diligence before accepting any tenants,” Anya said. “They should be watchful and know what goes on in their property.”
He urged landlords to report suspicious activities to the authorities immediately.
“If they see something, they should say something immediately because the government will not entertain any excuses,” Anya added.
