No fewer than 17 buildings have been marked for demolition in Uli community, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

According to the state police command, the buildings have been harbouring criminals and gunmen, disturbing the peace of the state.

It said consequently, a heavy deployment of officers, including policemen and the army had been deployed to the area to commence surveillance in the four villages that make up the community to restore peace in the area.

The Commissioner of Police, Echeng Echeng, disclosed these during the Uli Peace and Security Summit/Convention on Saturday.

Echeng, who was represented by the Area Commander of Ihiala, ACP Bassey Christopher, said the security operations in the community were tagged ‘Action all the way’.

He said, “Any building harbouring criminals and gunmen will be demolished and about 17 of them have already been marked for demolition and we are not going to spare anyone or any building irrespective of who the owner is.

“This peace and security summit and convention is the last chance for the criminals to leave Uli town and after this meeting, it is ‘Operation action all the way’ and we advise the landlords that own those buildings to chase those criminals out of their homes.

“Already we have taken delivery of all the apparatus for this operation and I want to assure you all that before the end of next month, the difference will be clear in terms of security of lives and property.”

The Commissioner for Homeland Matters, Chief Chikaodi Anaghara, also said that in line with the laws of the land, the government would take ownership of any demolished property. (NAN)