By Vincent Ujumadu

SECURITY operatives in Anambra State have raided and destroyed the hideouts serving as kidnappers den in Oba in Idemili South local government area of the state.

The destruction came on the heels of a directive by Governor Chukwuma Soludo that all kidnappers and other criminal gangs’ hideouts must henceforth be destroyed as part of his administration’s determination to rid Anambra State of criminalities.

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, 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.

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 degree 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 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.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.

Addressing reporters at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, Governor Soludo commended the efforts of the State Joint Security Task Force, saying the demolition exercise would serve as a deterrent to other criminals.Soludo explained that it had been established that the building demolished at Oba was being used as a den for criminal activities, stressing that the government policy does not allow any criminality to reign in the state.

He warned that henceforth, in line with the law, criminals will have no place in any part of Anambra State, assuring that his government was fully determined to ensure that the state was safe for everyone, and that people could move freely around without fear or molestation 

He also applauded the cooperation by some people in the state who have been volunteering information, adding that every stranger is suspicious until his or her job is confirmed to be legitimate.

The governor re-emphasized that any building being used for any criminal activities will be brought down and confiscated by government.  

He also appealed to the people to be security cautious at all times, stressing that they should always report strangers and criminals operating in their communities to security agencies