The Enugu State Government has demolished another property linked to k!dnapping activities as part of its ongoing crackdown on criminal operations. The latest demolition took place in the Amaebo Owelli Autonomous Community, Awgu Local Government Area, where the property had been used as a hideout for kidnappers to hold their victims.
Hon. Uche Anya, Executive Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, explained that the building had been a notor!ous base for k!dnappers. Victims were reportedly t*rtured and held for ransom there, including a case in May 2024 where a male victim was filmed at g*npoint inside the property. Security forces later raided the location, rescuing the victim, arresting most of the k!dnappers, and seizing a cache of weapons.
“Today’s demolition is part of the Enugu State Government’s commitment to eradicating criminality. We are here to dismantle a kidnappers’ den,” Anya told reporters at the scene. He stressed that this action sends a clear message to those involved in such activities, emphasizing that the government will not tolerate any form of cr!minality.
The demolition was carried out under Section 315 (Second Amendment) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 30, Laws of Enugu State, which allows for the forfeiture and destruction of properties used for k!dnapping, v!olent crime, or armed robbery.
Anya also urged property owners to be vigilant about the activities taking place on their premises, stating, “Landlords are responsible for what happens on their properties. Ignorance will not be an acceptable excuse.”
Similar demolitions have occurred in other parts of the state, including Ogbeke Nike and Nkwubor Nike in Enugu East LGA, where security agencies recovered large caches of arms and ammunition.
The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens and hinted that more demolitions are planned as the fight against criminality continues.