The Enugu State Government has demolished another facility linked to kidnapping activities in the state.
This comes as the state government has warned landowners that there will be no excuse in enforcing relevant laws that obligate the government to remove any properties associated with kidnapping and other evil activities.
His Excellency, Executive Chairman, Enugu Metropolitan Area Development Authority, spoke to newsmen at the demolition site. Mr Uche Anya explained that the residence in Amaebo-Owerri Local Government Area of Augu Local Government Area of the state was being used to house kidnap victims.
He said a video of a male kidnap victim with several AK-47 rifles pointed at his head was recorded in the same building in May 2024, but security agencies tracked the building and located the victim. He said he was arrested as soon as he was rescued. Most of the criminals were arrested and a cache of weapons and ammunition was recovered.
“What you are witnessing here today is the continuation of the Enugu State Government’s war against all types of crime.Today, we are here to subdue the den of kidnappers. What we are now clearing is the site of a horrific crime.
“For example, on May 25, 2024, violent kidnappers kidnapped a man in Enugu, brought him here, made him strip naked down to his red boxers, tied him up, held him at gunpoint, and began talking to his family. They posted the video to his relatives.
“They held him down, but to the glory of God and the efforts of Governor Mba, who is committed to security, the government and security agencies were able to see what was going to happen through state-of-the-art security systems. ” what was happening in this rural community.
“Security agencies moved to the location. All others were arrested but the person at the center fled to Ebonyi. We tracked him to Ebonyi and he fled to Lagos where he was arrested in Enugu State. The government and security agencies caught up with him.”
He mentioned several AK-47 rifles, semi-automatic rifles and all types of ammunition. Dozens of prohibited offensive weapons were recovered from the suspects.
“Interestingly, the gang kingpins who committed this foolish act were members of the same gang we were chasing somewhere in Ogbeke Nike.
“To those who say why not put these assets to good use, we want these assets to act as a deterrent in accordance with the law. We don’t want any reminders of the crime. We just want to put it out of our minds. We don’t need to take the property of a criminal to use it for the public. We’re going to break it down and do our own thing. We’re not going to profit from their criminal activity,” he said.
He urged property owners to be on alert, saying, “So this is a warning to all landlords. Enugu State government will never accept that as an excuse. I am in Australia. I am in America. In-laws. ‘s brother brought people to my compound.
“Landlords, if you build a house in Enugu, we will be responsible for any crime that happens on your premises. And if it turns into a violent crime, kidnapping, murder, armed robbery, we will We will remove your property in accordance with the laws established by our predecessors.We will literally force you to do so.
“As I speak to you, the government has requisitioned this property. That is why we are demolishing it. The title deed will be cancelled. The Enugu State government is probably more We will set up a clinic or something that will be beneficial,” Anya said.
Mbafu’s government has launched a campaign to demolish properties linked to kidnapping and violent crimes as a deterrent, insisting that criminals will not be allowed to enjoy the proceeds of their crimes in the state.
Recall that the state government also in August demolished properties linked to kidnappings and recovered caches of arms and ammunition in both Ogbeke Nike and Enkwubor Nike in Enugu East LGA.
Chapter 30 of the Enugu State Laws, Section 315 of the Penal Code (Second Amendment) provides: Therefore, if used for that purpose, the building or structure shall be demolished or confiscated to the state government. ”
