News
Enugu State Government Demolishes Kidnapper Properties, Uncovers Arms and Ammunition
On Wednesday, the Enugu State Government took decisive action against properties implicated in kidnapping activities, demolishing several buildings on the outskirts of Enugu, the state capital.
The targeted locations included an incomplete-storey building in Nkwubor Layout, Emene Nike, which featured an underground tunnel where a substantial cache of weapons was discovered.
Additionally, a large farm in Ogbeke Nike, Enugu East LGA, encompassing poultry, piggery, and plantain plantations, was also demolished.
In Nkwubor Nike, security forces uncovered 17 firearms, comprising eight AK47 rifles, seven pump-action rifles, and two shotguns. At the Ogbeke Nike farm, two more AK47 rifles were found. The authorities also destroyed various shrines, charms, and small-scale Indian hemp farms linked to the criminal operations.
These actions followed extensive investigations by security operatives into the activities of the kidnappers. The operations, which included intense gunfights with the criminals, led to the rescue of several victims.
This crackdown aligns with the Enugu State Government’s commitment under Governor Peter Mbah’s administration to combat crime.
The government had previously announced its intention to demolish properties used for criminal purposes, by Section 315 of the Criminal Code (Second Amendment) Law Cap. 30, Laws of Enugu State.
This section, which had remained inactive since its amendment in 2016, stipulates that buildings used for criminal activities can be demolished or forfeited to the state.
Uche Anya, Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), addressed the media at the Agu Ogbeke site, emphasizing that the demolitions were in strict adherence to the law.
Anya underscored the government’s resolve to eradicate criminal activities, stating that properties involved in serious crimes like kidnapping will be targeted.
He also issued a stern warning to property owners, stressing that ignorance of illegal activities on their properties will not be excused.
In his statement, Anya described the gruesome conditions at Nkwubor, noting the discovery of an underground cell concealed by a manhole, where captives were held.
The security forces found an arsenal of firearms and other illicit equipment, highlighting the severity of the criminal operations. Anya emphasized that such properties will be repurposed for the public good, possibly turning them into playgrounds, parks, or health facilities.
Anya concluded by reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards activities that deprive individuals of their freedom or cause harm, reinforcing the ongoing nature of these demolitions and the broader efforts to eliminate criminality from the state.
TV anchor Rufai Oseni makes headlines as he speaks on fuel subsidy in Nigeria. He shared that Nigeria can have fuel subsidy without the long queues at filling stations.
“When we were still paying subsidies, there were no long queues. We were subsidising. So you can still have a subsidy regime going on, and there will be no long queues because production was close by. Dangote had it. That’s just it. That argument also falls flat.
“The biggest beneficiaries of subsidy are not Nigerians. They are crony capitalists that have big infrastructure, and they do contracts. They have been the biggest beneficiaries of the subsidy,” he said.
Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu, speaks to those in the electricity sector about the usual blackouts in the state.
He speaks on ways things can change in the state and how electricity can be provided.
“We need to drop corporate egos, abandon long-standing excuses, and confront the harsh realities obstructing progress in the power sector.”
“We, state governments, used to give excuses that everything is centralised, so the Federal Government has unbundled it now. What have we done in a year and a half?” Sanwo-Olu asked.
“We take two steps forward, we go five steps backward,” he said.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared Thursday, August 20, a work-free day for public servants in the state to mark the Isese Festival.
Speaking on the celebration, he said “Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is not a relic. It is a living expression of our traditions and a celebration of Yoruba spirituality as an important part of Nigeria’s cultural and religious landscape,” he said.
He added “When the drums sound in Lagos on Thursday, they answer drums in Havana, in Salvador, in Port of Spain. Fifty-five million people and counting. Lagos is not observing a local holiday. Lagos is standing at the centre of a global heritage,” Aregbe said.
“Fighting for Nigerians Is Tiring” — VeryDarkMan Recalls Burna Boy’s Words
Enzo Fernández Moves Closer to Manchester City Transfer
