The Enugu State Government, on Tuesday, carried out the demolition of another property used as a den for kidnapping activities — reaffirming Governor Peter Mbah’s zero-tolerance stance on insecurity and criminality in the state.
The latest demolition took place at Umueze Awkunanaw in Nkanu West Local Government Area, where security operatives had earlier rescued a kidnap victim from a bungalow used by the prime suspect, Igwenagu Ogbodo, and his gang.
According to security sources, Ogbodo and some members of his gang sustained gunshot wounds while escaping during the rescue operation.
Speaking to journalists at the demolition site, the Chairman of Nkanu West LGA, Hon. John Ogbodo, commended Governor Peter Mbah for his “unwavering political will and courage” in enforcing the law against properties used for criminal purposes.
“The prime suspect and his gang kidnapped a victim and brought him here. He was rescued, and his vehicle, along with arms and ammunition, was recovered.
“I thank His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, for demonstrating capacity and political will, in line with his promise that any property used to harbour criminals will be demolished. That is exactly what we are witnessing here today,” Ogbodo said.
He noted that this was not the first demolition exercise carried out under Mbah’s administration, adding that the consistent enforcement would serve as a deterrent to others.
“This is not the first, second, or third demolition of such criminal hideouts in Enugu, but it is the first in Nkanu West. I believe this will send a strong message to others,” he added.
Ogbodo urged community leaders and property owners to be vigilant and proactive in monitoring activities within their neighbourhoods.
“I advise all property owners in Enugu State to be mindful of their tenants and the activities going on in their buildings. Any house used to aid or harbour criminality will face demolition. That is the law,” he warned.
The council boss also assured that the government remains relentless in tracking down the fleeing suspect and his gang members.
“The guy who did this is still on the run, but I know that Enugu State has the capacity and technology to capture him. Let it be known that there is no hiding place for criminals in Enugu today,” he stressed.
Several community members who witnessed the demolition confirmed the suspect’s long-standing involvement in crime.
Elder Ikechukwu Amos, a resident of Umueze Awkunanaw, described the suspect as an unrepentant ex-convict.
“I can’t deny it — he is a criminal. We have been advising him, but he refused. He came back from prison not too long ago and continued with bad company, smoking and engaging in all sorts of illicit acts. This is the result of his choices,” Amos lamented.
Another resident, Edeh Chidera Kingsley, condemned the suspect’s lifestyle, saying:
“Any young man who chooses kidnapping instead of honest work must face the consequences. Fela, as he’s called, is lazy. He would rather drink than work. This should be a lesson to others.”
The Councillor representing the ward, Hon. Uchenna Jideofor, also hailed the governor’s firm approach, describing the demolition as a “welcome and necessary step” in restoring safety to the area.
“This guy is notorious. During my first tenure, I ensured some of them were remanded, but after release, insecurity would return. I’ve warned the neighbours to give us information, but they kept quiet. What has happened today will serve as a clear warning to anyone aiding criminality,” Jideofor said.
The demolition marks yet another decisive move by the Mbah administration in its ongoing campaign to rid Enugu State of kidnappers and other criminal elements — reinforcing the message that there will be no sanctuary for crime in the new Enugu.
Watch the video below:
