Police with other joint security forces have undertaken a clearance operation at the hideout of suspected kidnappers in Anambra State, South-East Nigeria.
The operation which involved the pulling down of buildings allegedly being used by suspected kidnappers took place at Okpuno-etiti, Oba in Idemmili South Local Government Area, in the southern part of the State.
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South East Nigeria has of recent been recording violent attacks and kidnappings almost daily, especially in Anambra State resulting in gruesome murders, payment of ransoms and heavy losses.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo had said that any building where suspected kidnappers or criminals are found to be using as an abode would be confiscated by the State Government.
Security operatives in the State claim that a gang of suspected kidnappers were traced to the hideout in the Oba area, following a recent attack and kidnap of two persons at the Polytechnic community of Oko in Orumba North Local Government Area, and another two in Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Government Area.
According to the Police, an alleged leader of the gang simply identified as “Sampolo” was gunned down, while five persons were arrested. Four kidnapped victims were reportedly rescued in the security operation.
It was based on these claims that the bulldozer brought down the bungalow in Oba, allegedly housing the suspected kidnappers.
Governor Soludo who spoke to journalists on the security measures, commended the efforts of the State Joint Security Task Force, insisting that the demolition exercise would send strong signals and serve as a deterrent to other criminals.
During the demolition operation, two persons suspected to have links with the alleged kidnappers were also arrested for questioning by the police.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
