The Enugu State Government has demolished another building linked to kidnapping operations, reinforcing Governor Peter Mbah’s unwavering commitment to fighting crime and insecurity across the state.
The latest demolition occurred on Tuesday at Umueze Awkunanaw in Nkanu West Local Government Area, where a bungalow used by suspected kidnappers was leveled after being identified as a criminal hideout.
The property had previously been the site of a rescue operation, during which security agents freed a kidnapped victim and recovered arms, ammunition, and the victim’s vehicle.
According to security sources, the prime suspect, Igwenagu Ogbodo and his accomplices sustained gunshot wounds while attempting to flee the scene during the rescue mission.
At the demolition site, Nkanu West LGA Chairman, Hon. John Ogbodo, praised Governor Mbah for backing up his security promises with concrete action.
“This operation is a direct result of Governor Mbah’s clear policy, that any property used for criminal activities will be brought down,” Ogbodo said.
“This is not the first demolition under his administration and it certainly won’t be the last.”
He emphasized that the exercise serves as a strong warning to both criminals and property owners who turn a blind eye to illegal activities on their premises.
“I urge all landlords to carefully screen their tenants. If your property is used for crime, it will be demolished, that’s the law,” Ogbodo warned.
Local residents and leaders welcomed the demolition, describing it as long overdue.
Elder Ikechukwu Amos, a resident of Umueze Awkunanaw, confirmed the suspect’s criminal history:
“We’ve known him as a troublemaker. He was recently released from prison and went back to his old ways. We warned him, but he refused to change.”
Another community member, Edeh Chidera Kingsley, added:
“This should serve as a lesson to others. He chose crime over honest work and now faces the consequences.”
Hon. Uchenna Jideofor, the Councillor representing the ward, echoed these sentiments, noting that previous efforts to address the suspect’s behavior had failed due to lack of community cooperation.
“Some of the residents refused to speak up. This demolition should serve as a wake-up call, silence enables crime.”
While the main suspect remains at large, local authorities expressed confidence in their ability to track him down.
“Enugu has the tools, technology, and willpower to capture this fugitive,” said Ogbodo.
“There’s no safe haven for criminals in Enugu anymore.”
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