Encouraged by the massive endorsement of the programmes of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) led government in the State House of Assembly elections last Saturday, the Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has re-enforced security measures across the state and approved the demolition of two more kidnap dens. The two buildings were demolished Thursday in Umuikwelle village Eziowelle Idemili North and Umugbom village Azigbo, Nnewi South Local Government Areas respectively.
- Azigbo Kidnap Den
Speaking on the latest development, Chief 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. He stated that “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 6 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.” Governor Obiano assured.
- Eziowelle Kidnap Den before Demolition
The demolished 6-Bedroom bungalow at Eziowelle was used by one Obinna Okadigbo now at large and his gang as a nest for their victims which include one Mr. Vincent Nwachukwu kidnapped at Ogidi in August 2013. Mr 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 relieved of N500, 000.00 before regaining her freedom.
- Eziowelle Kidnap Den Being demolished
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.
- Eziowelle Kidnap Den after Demolition
Speaking on the rationale for the demolition exercise, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Joseph Agugoesie, 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. According to APC Agugoesie, “the government is with this exercise demonstrating its resolve to stop kidnappers and all criminal elements from operating in Anambra. It is also to show that the Police and other security operatives are relenting on their job to ensure a crime free Anambra."
Reacting to the demolition at Eziowelle, a Building Contractor and a native Mr. Francis Ezenwa Okosa, decried the attitude of young men who do not have any visible source of livelihood but tend to live above their means. He confirmed that he knew Obinna Okadigbo, the alleged kidnap Kingpin as a young man known to ' live large in the community without any handwork.'
As Mr Okosa put it," this demolition of his father's house which was built in the eighties has now confirmed our suspicions about his source of income. This is not good and should be condemned by everyone." He advised young men in the community to learn from the mistakes of Obinna and avoid engaging in any criminal activity.