In a continuation of its aggressive crackdown on kidnapping and criminal activity in Enugu State, the state government has demolished yet another kidnappers’ hideout located in Nike, Enugu East LGA.
According to government officials, the twin semi-detached bungalows at Nokpa, near Alulu in Nike, had been repeatedly used to house kidnap victims while their captors awaited ransom payments. The property was demolished in accordance with Section 315 (Second Amendment) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 30, Laws of Enugu State.
Speaking to reporters after the demolition on Friday, the Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), Hon. Uche Anya, underscored Governor Peter Mbah’s unwavering commitment to eradicating kidnappers and violent criminals from the state, declaring, “This is an open warfare, and we will not stop until we wipe out the criminal elements.”
Providing further details of the operation, Anya revealed, “On the 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 a ransom for one victim and hoped to get a ransom of N40 million from the other.”
He continued, “Their hit team escaped 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 led the crack team to this notorious den.”
Anya recounted the confrontation between the security forces and the kidnappers: “Members of their gang guarding the kidnap victim opened fire on the rescue team but were equally overpowered and neutralized in the process of rescuing the victim. This happened on the 29th of September. Three automatic rifles, along with other dangerous weapons, fetish objects, and hard drugs, were recovered from them. Even their charms failed them.”
He issued a stern warning to criminals operating in Enugu: “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.”
Anya emphasized that the government would not spare any property used in criminal activities. “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.”
He added, “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.”
The building before it was demolished
Addressing property owners, Anya urged landlords to exercise caution in selecting tenants. “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.”
This latest demolition is part of the Enugu State Government’s broader effort to dismantle criminal networks. So far, three other properties used by kidnappers for holding their victims have been demolished in various parts of the state.
