… As Security Agencies Neutralise Criminals, Recover Arms
By Tony Adibe
The Enugu State Government has again reduced to rubbles, a kidnappers’ den at Nike in Enugu East Local Government Area of the state. This is apparently in furtherance of its total war against kidnapping and criminality within the state.
The twin semi-detached bungalows located at Nokpa, near Alulu, Nike had been serially used to house kidnap victims pending their ransom payment and was demolished in line with Section 315 (Second Amendment) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 30, Laws of Enugu State, according to the state government.
NewsBits recalls that in the first week of August, the state government knocked down a mansion worth millions of Naira because it was reportedly being used for kidnapping in Enugu State. The building was located at Amaebo Owelli, a community in Awgu Local Government Area of the state.
Also, the Governor Peter Mbah-led administration pulled down several other buildings linked to kidnapping in communities within Enugu East Council Area of the state. Some of the demolished properties were an uncompleted 3-storey building at Nkwubor Layout in Emene-Nike and a large farm, housing a poultry, piggery, and plantain plantation at Ogbeke-Nike.
However, while briefing reporters after the latest operation on Friday, 18th of October, Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, Hon. Uche Anya, reiterated Governor Peter Mbah’s determination to wipe out every vestige of kidnappers and violent criminals in the state, insisting that “this is an open warfare and will not stop until we wipe out the criminal elements.”
Anya further gave an insight into the incident, recalling that, “On 27th of September, at about 7pm, this gang of hardened criminals abducted one Chibuoke Charles and Mr. Emma Okeke around the Federal University of Allied Health Sciences (formerly Federal School of Dental Technology and Therapy), Trans Ekulu, Enugu, and took them to this den. They were able to get ransom for one, and hoped to get a ransom of N40m from the other victim.”
According to him, “Their hit team disappeared to their stronghold in Imo State, not knowing that the security agencies were on their trail. Thank God for the sophisticated security infrastructure that Governor Mbah has procured for the state and thanks to the brilliance and bravery of the police crack squad. The gang was overpowered and arrested. They took the crack team to this notorious den.
“Members of their gang guarding the kidnap victim opened fire on rescue team, but were equally overpowered and neutralised in the process of rescuing the victim. This happened on 29th of September.”
Anya also spoke on the items recovered from the scene after the operation. He said:
“Three automatic rifles in addition to other dangerous weapons, fetish objects, and hard drugs were recovered from them. So, even their charms failed them. 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.
“This is also another warning that the government will not spare any property used for kidnapping, armed robbery, and the likes in Enugu. The Governor Mbah Administration will not allow you to enjoy your proceeds of crimes in Enugu State. The government will not only hunt you down, but also demolish the property involved in line with the provisions of relevant laws of the state, particularly Section 315 (Second Amendment) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 30, Laws of Enugu State.”
He reminded landlords in Enugu State that the government would not look back in its total war against kidnapping and other forms of criminality. Anya said: “Let me remind the landlords that the onus is on them to do their due diligence before accepting any tenants. They should also be watchful to know what goes on in their property. If they see something, they should say something immediately because the government will not entertain any excuses.”
