In a resolute display of its zero-tolerance policy towards insecurity, the Enugu State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has continued its aggressive demolition of structures used by kidnappers. The latest operation, captured in a video attached to this report, shows the demolition of a house in Owelli Town, Awgu Local Government Area today, the 5th of October 2024. The property had been confirmed as a repeated hideout for kidnappers, where victims were detained and held for ransom.
The demolition is in strict accordance with the Enugu State Government's security laws, signaling a decisive effort to eradicate crime and criminality in the state. Residents of Enugu have lauded the administration of Governor Peter Mbah, testifying that peace and security have significantly improved since he assumed office in 2023.
Speaking on the government’s stance, officials urged all citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious criminal activities to the appropriate authorities for immediate action.
The current wave of demolitions began on August 22, 2024, when the Enugu State Government started tearing down properties used by kidnappers in the outskirts of the state capital, Enugu. Among the structures demolished was an uncompleted storey-building in Nkwubor Layout, Emene Nike, which concealed an underground tunnel. Security operatives discovered a cache of arms and ammunition at the site, including eight AK47 rifles, seven pump-action shotguns, and two short guns. Additionally, a large farm in Ogbeke Nike, housing a poultry, piggery, and plantain plantation, was also destroyed. The farm served as a hideout where kidnappers stored two more AK47 rifles. Shrines, charms, and mini Indian hemp farms were also destroyed during the operation.
Months of discreet investigation led security forces to these hideouts, where they engaged in gun battles with the kidnappers, eventually rescuing several victims. The government’s actions, guided by Section 315 of the Criminal Code (Second Amendment) Law Cap. 30, Laws of Enugu State, authorize the demolition or forfeiture of any structure used for kidnapping or related criminal activities.
At the scene of the demolished hideout in Ogbeke Nike, the Executive Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), Uche Anya, addressed reporters. He emphasized that the demolitions were in strict compliance with state law, highlighting the administration’s determination to eliminate all forms of criminality.
"This government is determined to exterminate all manner of criminality. Kidnappers brought their victims here, including a woman who was abducted near the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. Today, we have demolished this hideout, and it will no longer exist as it did. We are sending a clear message: property owners cannot claim ignorance. If your property is used for kidnapping or other grievous crimes, we will come after it, regardless of your location—whether you are in South Africa, China, or Germany," Anya stated.
At Nkwubor, Emene Nike, Anya explained how the hideout was ingeniously disguised. "The activities here were even more gruesome. They built an underground cell covered with a manhole. It was concealed so well that no one would suspect anything was happening there. But thanks to the vigilance of security operatives, they discovered the underground dungeon and an armory filled with firearms, including AK47 rifles. This structure, too, has been demolished following the governor's directive," he added.
The ECTDA Chairman disclosed that the state government would take over the demolished properties and repurpose them for public good. "All these areas will be taken over by the government. We could transform them into playgrounds, gardens, parks, or primary healthcare centers. The original owners have permanently forfeited any rights to these properties," Anya noted.
He further emphasized that the demolition exercise is ongoing, with more criminal hideouts already marked for demolition. "Enugu State has an anti-kidnapping law, and the Criminal Code reinforces that any act depriving a person of their liberty, especially leading to death, is intolerable. This government will not condone it," he concluded.
The Mbah administration’s firm stance on insecurity has garnered widespread support among Enugu residents. Since taking office in 2023, Governor Mbah has prioritized security, peace, and human capital development, ensuring that criminal elements are systematically eradicated from the state.
The government continues to urge citizens to remain alert and cooperate with security agencies in reporting any suspicious activities, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and safety across Enugu State.
