The Enugu State Government on Wednesday demolished properties used by kidnappers to detain their victims on the outskirts of Enugu, the state capital.

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Among the properties was an uncompleted storey building with an underground tunnel at Nkwubor Layout in Emene Nike, where a large cache of arms and ammunition was recovered. Also, a large farm housing poultry, piggery, and a plantain plantation at Ogbeke Nike, all in Enugu East LGA, was also demolished.

At Nkwubor Nike, security operatives recovered 17 firearms, including eight AK47 rifles, seven pump action rifles, and two shotguns, while two AK47 rifles were recovered from the Ogbeke Nike farm. Shrines, charms, and mini Indian hemp farms were also destroyed.

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Following months of discreet investigation, security operatives stormed the two hideouts, made startling discoveries, and rescued some victims after gun battles with the criminals.

It is recalled that the Enugu State Government, in line with Governor Peter Mbah’s administration’s determination to eradicate crime in the state, announced its readiness to demolish properties used for kidnapping, in accordance with 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 2016, provides: “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 reporters at the criminal hideout in Ogbeke, Nike, the Executive Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), Uche Anya, said the demolitions were in compliance with the law as directed by the government, stressing that there is no hiding place for criminals in the state.

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“This government is determined to exterminate all forms of criminality. People were kidnapped and brought here, including a woman who was kidnapped near the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. After today, this place will never exist again in the manner you met it. We are sending a strong signal, and we are warning property owners not to claim ignorance. Once your property is used for kidnapping or grievous harm, we will come after you and your property,” he stated.

At Nkwubor, Emene, Nike, Anya added, “The activities here were even more gruesome. You have seen the underground cell they built and covered with a manhole. The eagle-eyed security forces detected that something was amiss, only to discover an underground cell where people were kept and an armoury with many AK47 rifles and other illegal equipment. Today, it must go down as directed by the governor in accordance with the laws of Enugu State.”

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Anya said the government would take over the properties and put them to good use, noting that the demolition is an ongoing process with more structures already marked for demolition.

“These places will be taken over by the government and may be turned into playgrounds, parks, or healthcare centres. But whoever thought they owned this place will never set foot here again. The government cannot condone anything that deprives citizens of their liberty or leads to death,” he concluded.

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