Security operatives of Operation Kpochapu, the special security agency set up by Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, have scaled up the demolition of criminal infrastructure with the knocking down of two buildings used for kidnap activities. The buildings were located at Umuchem, Ojoto in Idemili South Local Government Area and Iyabain Umudim – Nnewi in Nnewi North Local Government Area of the state, were locked down on yesterday.

The first building, a four-room and parlour bungalow at UmuchemOjoto, was used by one Izuchukwu Amalunwoke, a member of a kidnap gang, who is on the run, to incarcerate kidnap 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, which belonged to late Chief Joseph Nnadike who died in 1988, but was used by one Lotanna Enemuo from the same community who was handed over the building as a caretaker, but instead turned it to a kidnap den where several victims from Nnewi and environs were held and extorted.

Reacting to the demolition exercise at Ojoto, a community leader, Mr. Michael Chukwuemeka, confirmed that Izuchukwu was notorious for his clandestine activities over the years while strange characters had been trooping in and out of the house. Chukwuemeka commended Governor Obiano for sustaining the battle to rid the state of criminals.

The building at Iyaba Nnewi had a cubicle behind the stair-case fitted with a door where kidnap victims were held hostage while awaiting ransom from their family members or friends.

Throwing more light on the latest demolition of buildings, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Agugoesi, said that the affected buildings at Ojoto and Nnewi were used severally for kidnap activities by Izu and Lotanna respectively.

Mr. Agudosi disclosed that Lotanna and his gang incarcerated one Mrs. Anazodo and Mr. Richard Chukwudolue, and that some members of the gang were later killed during a gun duel with the police. He made it equivocally clear that the Obiano administration and the security agencies would not relent in theongoing drive to flush out hoodlums from all parts of the state.

In his reaction, a resident of the area, and a retired Army Officer, Sir Jimbo Hamada, pointed out that for the first time Anambra State has a government that listens to the heartbeat of the people.

“I give the governor 100% mark for what he is doing especially his effort to stop these criminals from coming to harass hapless villages 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.

Mr. Jimbo noted that Governor Obiano has restored sanity and stability in Onitsha and other parts of the State, andurged the people to give his administration total support.

•Photo shows the bulldozer demolishing kidnap kingpin Izuchukwu’s house at Ojoto, Anambra State.

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