Governor of Anambra State, 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.

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 would deal decisively with anyone found in any form of crime or criminality in the state.

“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.

The demolished six-Bedroom bungalow at Eziowelle was used by one Obinna Okadigbo now at large and his gang‎ as a nest for their victims, including one Mr. Vincent Nwachukwu.

Nwachukwu was kidnapped at Ogidi in August 2013 but eventually released after the payment of N3 million ransom.

Another victim, 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.

The second building, a four-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.

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 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 suspected kidnap Kingpin as a young man known to “live large in the community without any handwork.”

“This demolition of his father's house which was built in the 80s has now confirmed our suspicions about his source of income. This is not good and should be condemned by everyone,” Okosa said.

He advised young men in the community to learn from the mistakes of Obinna and avoid engaging in any criminal activity.

•Photo shows kidnapers' den at Azigbo, Anambra, under demolition.

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