By Nneka Ibe
The Enugu State Government has intensified its ongoing crackdown on criminal hideouts with the demolition of a building allegedly used as a base by a kidnapping syndicate in Nkanu West Local Government Area of the state.
The bungalow, located at Umueze Awkunanaw community, was demolished on Tuesday following a coordinated operation by security operatives who rescued a kidnap victim from the premises. The building was reportedly occupied by a notorious suspect identified as Igwenagu Ogbodo, popularly known as Fela, and members of his gang, who are said to have fled the scene with gunshot wounds during the rescue operation.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area, Hon. John Ogbodo, said the demolition was in line with the directive of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s administration to ensure that no structure within the state is used to perpetrate criminal activities.
According to Ogbodo, the state’s anti-crime policy empowers local councils and security agencies to identify and destroy properties linked to violent crimes, particularly kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism.
> “This government has made it clear that Enugu State will not serve as a haven for criminals,” he said. “The demolition of this building sends a strong message to all those who are harbouring or aiding criminal elements. Such acts will not be tolerated. We are determined to make our communities safe again.”
The council boss, who was present during the demolition exercise, commended the swift response of the police and other security agencies that led to the rescue of the kidnapped victim. He also praised Governor Mbah for providing logistical and moral support to the local government in its security operations.
> “This is not the first time the state government is carrying out such an exercise, but it is the first in Nkanu West. It will serve as a deterrent to others who think they can profit from crime,” Ogbodo added.
He urged landlords and property owners across the local government to carry out proper background checks before renting out their houses, warning that ignorance would not be accepted as an excuse if their properties were later linked to criminal activities.
Residents of Umueze Awkunanaw, who gathered to witness the demolition, expressed relief and commended the government for taking decisive action. Some described the suspect, Igwenagu Ogbodo, as a “notorious repeat offender” who had been terrorising the area for years.
> “We have not had peace here for a long time because of Fela and his boys,” said one resident who preferred to remain anonymous. “They used to kidnap people and collect ransom. We thank God and the government for finally taking action.”
The Councilor representing the ward, Hon. Uchenna Jideofor, also lauded the demolition, describing it as a necessary step toward restoring peace and confidence among the people.
> “This operation shows that the government is serious about its zero-tolerance policy on crime. Our people can now sleep with their eyes closed,” he said.
In recent months, the Enugu State Government has stepped up efforts to curb insecurity through joint operations involving the police, neighbourhood watch groups, and other security agencies. Several suspected criminals have been arrested, and properties linked to kidnappers and cultists have been pulled down in different parts of the state.
Governor Mbah, since assuming office, has repeatedly emphasized that his administration’s vision of transforming Enugu into a preferred destination for investment and tourism cannot be achieved without peace and security.
The state government’s renewed drive has received commendations from traditional rulers, community leaders, and civil society groups, who say the policy is helping to reclaim communities once overrun by criminal gangs.
Meanwhile, security operatives are said to be intensifying manhunt for the fleeing suspects, even as investigations continue into the network of the kidnapping syndicate.
The Enugu State Police Command has urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement or strange faces in their neighbourhoods to the nearest security post or through the command’s dedicated emergency lines.
With the latest demolition, the Enugu State Government has once again signaled its commitment to maintaining law and order, reinforcing its message that crime and criminality will no longer find refuge anywhere within the state.
