Soludo Demolishes Building Used As Kidnappers Hideout

The Anambra State Joint Security Task Force on Friday conducted the demolition exercise which lasted for more than five hours at the hideout of the kidnappers, which is an old bungalow building at Oba.

Recall that the hideout had earlier been raided, during which exhibits such as locally made pistol, shrine, charms, concoctions, and Indian hemp, among other incriminating materials were recovered at the building, with some arrests also made. Security operatives had traced the kidnappers to the hideout following an attack and subsequent kidnap of two persons at Oko, Orumba North local government area and another two persons in Ekwulobia, Aguata local government area.

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The gunmen had entered Oko through Nanka for a kidnap operation and were on the verge of succeeding before the prompt intervention of the police special force acting on a tip-off and subsequently engaged them in gunfire.

One of them was killed, but others escaped with various degrees of injuries. The gunman killed at Oko, whose video went viral on some social handles, was identified as a former vigilante who was part of a four-man gang that had been involved in high-profile killings and kidnapping within that vicinity.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO Mr.  Tochukwu Ikenga had explained that the command received a distress call about the kidnap of two persons at Oko, and while on their trail, they learnt that the gang had kidnapped two more persons at Ekwulobia, and quickly pursued them and were able to track them down.

He explained further that Police operatives working with the vigilante stormed the location, rescued the four victims and arrested one Emeka who was suspected of complicity. When interrogated, he confessed to the crime and led detectives to the hideout of his gang in Oba, where a shootout ensued.

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According to Mr. Ikenga, the gang leader, one Chinedu Ajogu, AKA Sampolo was gunned down and five other persons including their native doctor were arrested for interrogation.

Meanwhile, Prof Soludo, who spoke to journalists later at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, said the demolition was in keeping with the state government’s policy of confiscating or demolishing any property used to propagate criminality.

Soludo praised the State Joint Security Task Force’s efforts, noting that the demolition exercise will serve as a deterrent to other offenders.

“We have made it part of our policy in Anambra to demolish any property used for illegal purposes,” he stated. That demolished structure was being utilized as a haven for illegal activity, and the government’s policy will not allow this to continue.

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Criminals will no longer be tolerated in any section of Anambra State. I tell you that this government is dead set on making the state safe for everyone and allowing individuals to walk around freely without fear of being harassed.”

He also praised several residents of the state who have been willing to share information, noting that any stranger should be skeptical until their employment is proved to be real.

He also urged citizens to be security vigilant at all times, pushing them to report any odd or criminal activity in their neighbourhoods to security services.