The Enugu State Government has demolished properties used by kidnappers to detain their victims on Wednesday in the outskirts of Enugu, the state capital.
The demolished properties included an incomplete storey-building with an underground tunnel at Nkwubor Layout in Emene Nike, where a large cache of arms and ammunition was recovered, and a large farm with a poultry, piggery, and plantain plantation at Ogbeke Nike, all in Enugu East LGA.
At Nkwubor Nike, seventeen firearms were recovered, including eight AK-47 rifles, seven pump-action rifles, and two shotguns.
At the Ogbeke Nike farm, two additional AK-47 rifles were found. Shrines, charms, and mini Indian hemp farms were also destroyed.
Following months of discreet investigation into the kidnappers’ activities, security operatives raided the two hideouts, making startling discoveries and rescuing some victims after engaging in gun battles with the criminals.
The Enugu State Government had previously announced its commitment to eradicating crime in the state, in line with Governor Peter Mbah’s administration.
This effort included a readiness to demolish properties used for kidnapping under Section 315 of the Criminal Code (Second Amendment) Law Cap. 30, Laws of Enugu State.
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Section 315, which had been dormant since its amendment in 2016, states, “If the building or structure is owned by the offender or any other person who knows or ought to reasonably know that the building or structure is being used for that purpose, the building or structure shall be demolished or forfeited to the State Government.”
Speaking to reporters at the criminal hideout in Ogbeke, Nike, Uche Anya, the Executive Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), confirmed that the demolitions were carried out in accordance with the law as directed by the government.
He emphasized that there is no safe haven for criminals in the state.
“This government is determined to eradicate all forms of criminality. Kidnapping has occurred here, including the case of the woman abducted near the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus.
“You can see the efforts we have made to reach this point.
This place will no longer exist as you knew it. We are sending a strong message and warning property owners not to claim ignorance of what happens on their properties, whether they are abroad or not.
If your property or business is used for kidnapping or any serious crime, including attempted murder, we will come after you and your property,” Anya stated.
At Nkwubor, Emene, Nike, Anya described the situation as even more severe. “You have seen the underground cell they built and covered with a manhole.
It looked like nothing was happening, but the keen observation of our security team revealed an underground area where people were held. We found their armory, including many AK-47 rifles and other illegal equipment.
As directed by the governor and in accordance with Enugu State laws, this place had to be demolished.”
Anya mentioned that the government plans to repurpose the properties for beneficial uses, noting that the demolition process is ongoing, with more structures already marked for removal.
“These places will be taken over by the government and could be turned into playgrounds, gardens, parks, or primary health care facilities.
The previous owners will no longer have any claim to these properties.
“Enugu State has anti-kidnapping laws, but beyond that, the Criminal Code addresses any acts that deprive individuals of their liberty and lead to death, which the government cannot tolerate,” he concluded.
