Enugu State Government Demolishes Kidnappers' Hideouts, Vows More Will Follow

 Enugu State Government Demolishes Kidnappers' Hideouts, Vows More Will Follow

The Enugu State Government, on Wednesday, carried out the demolition of properties utilized by kidnappers for detaining their victims in the outskirts of Enugu, the state capital. The properties included an uncompleted storey building with an underground tunnel located at Nkwubor Layout in Emene Nike, where a significant cache of arms and ammunition was recovered, and a large farm containing a poultry, piggery, and plantain plantation at Ogbeke Nike, all situated in Enugu East Local Government Area.

At the Nkwubor Nike location, 17 firearms were confiscated, including eight AK-47 rifles, seven pump-action rifles, and two shotguns. Meanwhile, two AK-47 rifles were recovered at the Ogbeke Nike farm. In addition to these, shrines, charms, and mini Indian hemp farms were also destroyed during the operation.

The security operatives, after months of discreet investigation into the kidnappers' activities, stormed the two hideouts. Their operations resulted in the startling discoveries and the rescue of several victims following intense gunfights with the criminals.

It is worth noting that the Enugu State Government, under the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah, had expressed its commitment to eradicating crime and criminality within the state. The government had announced its intention to demolish properties used for kidnapping activities, in accordance with Section 315 of the Criminal Code (Second Amendment) Law Cap. 30, Laws of Enugu State.

The aforementioned Section 315, which had been largely unused since its amendment in 2016, stipulates, “If the building or structure owned by the offender or any other person, who knows or ought to reasonably know that the building or structure is so being used for that purpose, the building or structure shall be demolished or forfeited to the State Government.”

Speaking to journalists at the criminal hideout in Ogbeke Nike, the Executive Chairman of Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), Uche Anya, emphasized that the demolitions were in strict compliance with the law as directed by the state government. He reiterated that there is no sanctuary for criminals in Enugu State.

“This government is resolute in its mission to eradicate all forms of criminality. Kidnapping victims were brought here, including the woman who was abducted near the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. The effort we made to get here today shows the severity of the situation. This has been ongoing, but after today, this place will no longer exist in its current form. We are here to send a clear message, and we also warn property owners that ignorance of criminal activities on their properties, whether they are in South Africa, China, or Germany, will not be tolerated. If your property or commercial entity is used for kidnapping or any crime involving grievous bodily harm or attempted murder, we will come after you and your property,” Anya stated.

At Nkwubor, Emene, Nike, Anya told reporters, “The activities here were even more gruesome. You have seen the underground cell they constructed, cleverly concealed with a manhole. At first glance, it appears unremarkable, but the sharp instincts of the security operatives uncovered something suspicious. It turned out that this underground space was used to detain human beings, and we discovered their armory—numerous AK-47 rifles and other dangerous equipment that no civilian should possess. But today, it all comes to an end as directed by the governor, in accordance with the Laws of Enugu State,” he said.

The ECTDA Chairman further stated that the government would seize these properties and repurpose them for the public good, emphasizing

that the demolition process is ongoing, with additional structures already marked for demolition.

“All these properties will be taken over by the government, and we can repurpose them into playgrounds, gardens, parks, or primary healthcare centers. Whoever believed they owned these places will no longer have access to them. Enugu State has an anti-kidnapping law, and beyond that, the Criminal Code mandates that any action that deprives an individual of their liberty and endangers their life is intolerable to the government,” he concluded.