THE Enugu State Government announced yesterday that it plans to demolish properties, including private residences and business premises, that are used for kidnapping activities.
The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, explained in a statement that this action is part of Governor Peter Mbah’s ongoing efforts to eliminate crime in the state.
He advised property owners to carefully vet potential tenants before leasing their properties.
“The government has conducted due diligence and identified properties recently used for kidnapping, which will be demolished soon to serve as a warning to others,” Onyia stated.
“There is no refuge for criminals in Enugu State. They must either reform, leave the area, or face severe consequences.”
Recall that in November 2016, the Enugu State House of Assembly amended the Criminal Code Law, which was signed into law by former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi on January 20, 2017.
Section 315 of the Criminal Code (Second Amendment) Law Cap. 30, Laws of Enugu State, states: “If a building or structure is owned by the offender or anyone who knows or should reasonably know that it is being used for criminal purposes, it shall be demolished or forfeited to the State Government.”
Residents of Enugu have also expressed concern over the government’s delay in enforcing this law, which has been in place for eight years.
Addressing these concerns, the state government explained that it has been thorough in its investigations to prevent unjust outcomes or unnecessary losses.