The Enugu government has demolished a building allegedly used as a kidnappers’ den where abducted residents were held captive in Umueze Awkunanaw, Nkanu west LGA.
The demolition, carried out on Tuesday, followed the rescue of a kidnapped victim and the recovery of arms, ammunition, and the victim’s vehicle from the property by security operatives.
Speaking at the site, John Ogbodo, chairman of Nkanu West LGA, said the demolition was in line with the directive of the Peter Mbah-led administration to pull down properties used to aid criminal activities in the state.
“The suspect and his gang kidnapped a person and brought him here. The victim was rescued, and his vehicle recovered,” the chairman said.
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“This is not the first property to be demolished in Enugu, but it is the first in Nkanu West. It will serve as a deterrent to others.
“Anyone who harbours criminals or rents property to them should be prepared for the same consequence.”
He added that the prime suspect, identified as Igwenagu Ogbodo, reportedly escaped with members of his gang after sustaining gunshot wounds during the security raid.
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Ogbodo urged community leaders and residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
“There is no hiding place for criminals in Enugu State today. The government has deployed technology and manpower to track down offenders,” he said.
The demolition is part of the state government’s ongoing crackdown on criminal hideouts.
In 2024, the state government demolished a property allegedly used by kidnappers for abductions in Enugu East LGA.
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