Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has re-inforced his
determination to rid the state of all forms of criminal elements as
security operatives of Operation Kpochapu scaled up the demolition of
criminal infrastructure with the knocking down of two buildings
allegedly used for kidnap activities. The buildings located at Umuchem,
Ojoto in Idemili South Local Government Area and Iyaba in Umudim-Nnewi
in Nnewi North Local Government Area of the state were pulled down
yesterday.
The first building, a four-room-and-parlour bungalow at Umuchem Ojoto,
was allegedly used by one Izuchukwu Amalunwoke, an alleged member of a
kidnap gang, who is on the run, as a facility for holding their victims,
whose relations were extorted of various sums of money to secure their
release. The demolition team also knocked down a storey building at
Iyaba, Umudim Nnewi belonging to Chief Joseph Nnadike who died in
1988. It was allegedly converted to a kidnap den where several victims
from Nnewi and its environs were held and extorted, by one Lotanna
Enemuo, the caretaker of the property.
Reacting to the demolition exercise at Ojoto, a community leader, Mr.
Michael Chukwuemeka alleged that Izuchukwu was notorious for his
clandestine activities over the years, while strange characters had
been trooping in and out of the house.
Mr. Chukwuemeka commended Governor Obiano for sustaining the battle to rid the state of criminals.
The building at Iyaba Nnewi had a cubicle behind the staircase, where
kidnap victims were allegedly held hostage while awaiting ransom from
their family members or friends.
Throwing light on the latest demolition of buildings, Assistant
Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Agugoesi said the affected properties
at Ojoto and Nnewi were used severally for kidnap activities by Izu and
Lotanna respectively.
He alleged that Lotanna and his gang incarcerated one Mrs. Anazodo and
Mr. Richard Chukwudolue, saying some members of the gang were later
killed during a gun duel with the police. He pledged that the Obiano
administration and the security agencies would not relent in the
ongoing drive to flush out hoodlums from all parts of the state.
In his reaction, a resident of the area and retired army officer, Sir
Jimbo Hamada, said it was evident Anambra was having a responsive
government
'I give the governor 100 per cent mark for what he is doing especially
his effort to stop these criminals from coming to harass hapless
villagers like us. Every landlord should take note and ensure that they
know the identity of their tenants to avoid what is happening here
today,' he said.
Jimbo confirmed that Obiano had restored sanity and stability in
Onitsha and other parts of the state and urged the people to give his
administration total support. - The Sun.
