Enugu State Declares War on Kidnappers: 27 Neutralized, as Residents Demand Demolition of Criminal Hideouts

Enugu State Declares War on Kidnappers: 27 Neutralized, Residents Demand Demolition of Criminal Hideouts

In a bold move to tackle the scourge of kidnapping in Enugu State, security operatives have neutralized at least 27 kidnappers, including members of the notorious Auto Pilot faction, in shoot-outs across the state over the past two weeks. This follows a joint security operation led by Superintendent Onochie Ezeh, who confirmed that the operation resulted in the killing of a 7-man gang at Ogbeke Nike, where kidnappers used a poultry farm to hide their hostages.

The operation is part of sustained efforts to flush out criminals operating from neighboring states, including kidnappers, unknown gunmen, and other unscrupulous elements. The combined security task force, set up by Governor Peter Mbah, has recorded significant milestones in policing the state and flushing out criminal elements, identifying several criminal hideouts and neutralizing over 30 kidnappers.

Residents are now calling on Governor Mbah to invoke the state's criminal code and demolish properties used by kidnappers, citing an existing law that empowers the state government to take such action. A senior lawyer, Chief Ani Iheanacho, emphasized that demolition would serve as a deterrent to criminals and provide justice to victims and their families. One of the rescued kidnap survivors, Dr. Kate Pamela, demanded that the government ensures justice by demolishing the poultry farm where she was held hostage.

The Enugu State government is urged to go beyond arresting and hunting down kidnappers and invoke its power to demolish properties used as stash houses, as empowered by the state's criminal code. This move would serve as a strong deterrent to criminals and provide justice to victims and their families. The state government must show both political and legal courage to go after properties used as hostage holding cells and bring them down irrespective of who the owner or owners are.

The residents of Enugu State are determined to see an end to the kidnapping menace, and they are calling on the government to take drastic measures to ensure their safety and security. The government must listen to their demands and take immediate action to demolish all properties used by kidnappers and other criminal elements. Only then can the state truly say it has won the war against kidnapping.