AKWA, Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, at the weekend re-enforced security measures in the state as he approved the demolition of two more kidnappers’ dens.
The two buildings were demolished on Thursday at Umuikwelle village Eziowelle Idemili North and Umugbom village Azigbo, Nnewi South Local Government Areas respectively.
Speaking on the latest development, Obiano said that no kidnap incident had happened successfully in Anambra in the past one year because the security operatives were equipped to nip such threats in the bud.
The Governor reiterated that men of the ‘Operation Kpochapu’ will deal decisively with anyone found involving in any form of crime or criminality in the state.
“In the past one week, we have donated a gunboat to the Navy to enable them patrol the River Niger and stop inflow of arms into the state.
“We also took delivery of 15 speed boats and six Water Ambulances to assist the Riverine communities in quick dispensation of healthcare services. I also wish to assure potential investors that we have machinery in place to protect their interest and ensure their safety in our state” the Governor assured.
The demolished 6-Bedroom bungalow at Eziowelle was allegedly used by one Obinna Okadigbo now at large and his gang as a nest to harbour their victims which include one Mr. Vincent Nwachukwu, kidnapped at Ogidi in August 2013. Nwachukwu was eventually released after the payment of N3million ransom.
Another victim of the gang, one Lady Maureen Onukwelu was kidnapped on November 26, 2013 at a new generation bank in Nnewi and disppossed of N500, 000.00 before regaining her freedom.
The second building a 4-room bungalow at Azigbo owned by late Mr. Simon Ikwukeme, was used as den by another gang led by one Emeka Chukwuka, Chukwuka Nkpuechina and Onuegbu Onyekachi.
They kept one Justina Ezenwafor whom they kidnapped from Ekwulobia on October 10, 2014 and released three days later after extracting a ransom of N4million.
Speaking on the rationale for the demolition exercise, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Joseph Agugoesi, said that the buildings were pulled down in accordance with the provisions of the law against kidnapping in Anambra State and a measure to re-state the commitment of the government and the security agencies to rid the state of kidnappers.
Credit: Daily Independent (Nigeria)
