Updated: SARS Nabs Kidnappers, Obiano demolishes their houses

www.odogwublog.com reports that the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigerian Police in Anambra state led by Officer in Charge , CSP James Nwafor yesterday arrested remnants of armed robbers and kidnappers terrorizing innocent citizens in Anambra state.

This action by Nwafor led SARS was in line with the vow the Governor of Anambra state , Chief Willie Obiano that he would send all kidnappers packing .

But Governor Obiano on hearing that feat moved in with the bulldozers in line with state policy of demolishing kidnappers’ houses and assets to deprive them from enjoying it.

The State Government yesterday therefore demolished two buildings in the state used for kidnap activities.  

Today’s demolitions brings to about 50, the total number of buildings demolished by the State Government for either being used for Armed Robbery and kidnap activities or for having been built with proceeds from such negative ventures.  

  The demolition exercise led by Assistant Commissioner of Police in Charge of Operations, Mr Joseph Agugoesidemolished a 6room Bungalow at Umuikwele village, Eziowelle in Idemili North, belonging to late Mr Damian Okadigbo whose only son, Obinna Okadigbo used the building to keep two kidnap victims at different times.      

The victims were a businessman, Mr Vincent Nwachukwu who was kidnapped in August, 2013 and released after a N3million ransom was paid as well as one Mrs Maureen Onukwelu who was kidnapped in December same year and released after the payment of the sum of n500, 000.  

   The other building demolished was a 4-bedroom semi detached bungalow at Umungbom village Azigbo in Nnewi South Council Area, alleged to have been used in October 2014 by 3 suspects- Emeka Chukwuka, Chukwuka Mkpuechina and Onyekachi Onuegbu to keep one Mrs Justina Ezenwafor who was kidnapped at Ekwulobia and freed after a N4million ransom was paid.  

 The Leader of the demolition team, Mr Agugoesi told newsmen that the exercise was to further send the message of the Commitment of the state government and Security Agencies in the state to ensure a crime-free Anambra State.

    According to him, the Eziowelle Kidnap suspect has not been seen after a gun duel with the Police and may have died due to the resulting bullet injuries while the Azigbo suspects are in Police Custody helping the police with investigations.    

    He warned Criminals and beneficiaries of proceeds from such activities who think Government may renege on its avowed resolve to rid the state of kidnappers and armed robbers to refrain from their evil ways or leave the State, as the onslaught will be sustained.    

   The Mother of the Eziowelle suspect, Mrs Florence Okadigbo who wept profusely as she scampered for her belongings, noted that she was away at her daughter's house in Port Harcourt when her son was said to have committed the crime, adding that she has not set her eyes on her only son since she returned.    

 A native of Eziowelle, Mr Francis Okosa narrated how the suspect had been living a flamboyant and luxurious lifestyle despite having no known means of livelihood, even as he commended the state government for its efforts at making the state safe for its inhabitants.        

Speaking after being briefed by the team on demolition , Governor Willie Obiano reiterated his resolve to send kidnappers and armed robbers packing from the state , announcing that the state has received millions of dollars in  investment because of security in the state and warned that the security and peace now enjoyed cannot be traded with anything.

He said the level of security in the state made it possible for night life to be restored back to the state against what was obtainable in the past and thanked security agencies for living up to expectations. He said no successful kidnapping in the state in the past one year a security agents nip them in the bud.