Sunday, October 6, 2024 -The Enugu State Government has demolished yet another property connected to kidnapping activities.
The action, which took place in Amaebo
Owelli Autonomous Community, Awgu Local Government Area, is part of the
government’s ongoing crackdown on properties linked to criminal activities. The
mansion was reportedly used as a hideout for kidnappers to hold their victims.
According to Hon. Uche Anya,
Executive Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, the
property in question had been a den for kidnappers, where victims were tortured
and ransomed. Notably, a kidnapping incident from May 2024, where a male victim
was filmed with AK-47 rifles pointed at his head, occurred within the same
building. Following the incident, security agencies were able to track down the
property, rescue the victim, arrest most of the kidnappers, and recover a cache
of arms and ammunition.
“What you see here today is the
continuation of the war of the Enugu State Government against all manner of
criminality. Today, we are here to take down a kidnappers’ den," Anya said
while addressing journalists at the site. He stressed that the demolition is
part of the government's strategy to wipe out any reminders of criminality in
the state, sending a strong message to those involved in such activities.
In line with Section 315 (Second
Amendment) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 30, Laws of Enugu State, which
mandates the demolition of any building used for kidnapping, violent crime, or
armed robbery, the property has been forfeited and destroyed.
Anya also warned landlords to be
vigilant and take responsibility for activities occurring on their properties.
"Every landlord, once you put up a house in Enugu, we hold you responsible
for any criminality that happens in your property," he said, noting that
the government will not accept ignorance as an excuse.
Similar demolitions were carried out
in August on properties linked to kidnapping in Ogbeke Nike and Nkwubor Nike,
both in Enugu East LGA, where security forces recovered large amounts of arms
and ammunition.
The government reiterated its
commitment to security and ensuring the safety of Enugu’s citizens. As the
fight against criminality continues, more demolitions are expected.
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