The Enugu State Government has taken a decisive stance against the growing menace of kidnapping within its borders, announcing plans to demolish any properties, whether private residences or business premises, found to have been used for such criminal activities. This bold initiative, disclosed on Tuesday by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, is part of the broader effort by Governor Peter Mbah’s administration to cleanse the state of all forms of crime and criminality.
In his statement, Professor Onyia emphasized the government’s unyielding commitment to restoring peace and security across Enugu State. He issued a stern warning to property owners, urging them to conduct thorough background checks on prospective tenants before leasing their properties. The government’s resolve to act against properties used for kidnapping is backed by the belief that such measures will serve as a strong deterrent to others who might consider engaging in similar criminal activities.
Professor Onyia further revealed that the government has already identified and compiled a list of properties that have been implicated in recent kidnapping cases. He assured the public that these properties would soon be demolished, sending a clear message that Enugu State has zero tolerance for criminal elements. “There is no hiding place for criminal elements in Enugu State. They either repent, leave town, or meet their Waterloo. The choice is theirs,” he stated unequivocally.
This crackdown comes after years of citizen frustration over what many perceived as the government’s reluctance to enforce existing laws designed to combat crime. Specifically, the Enugu State House of Assembly had amended the Criminal Code Law of Enugu State in November 2016, and the amendment was signed into law by former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi on January 20, 2017. The amendment to Section 315 of the Criminal Code (Second Amendment) Law Cap. 30, Laws of Enugu State, clearly stipulates that any building or structure used for criminal activities, such as kidnapping, shall be demolished or forfeited to the state government. The law further holds accountable not just the offenders but also any property owners who “know or ought to reasonably know” that their properties are being used for such illegal purposes.
However, despite this legal framework, the enforcement of these provisions has been noticeably absent, leading to growing discontent among the citizens of Enugu State. Many have wondered why, despite the clear legal mandate, the government has yet to act on demolishing properties linked to criminal activities, particularly given the rising cases of kidnapping in the region.
In response to these concerns, the state government has explained that the delay in enforcement was a result of its efforts to carry out due diligence. Professor Onyia assured the public that the government has been meticulously ensuring that the law is applied justly and that no one suffers undue losses or faces a miscarriage of justice. This careful approach, he explained, was necessary to prevent the wrongful demolition of properties and to ensure that only those structures that have been incontrovertibly linked to criminal activities are targeted.
The government’s announcement is likely to reassure many citizens who have been calling for tougher action against crime in Enugu State. The decision to demolish properties used for kidnapping is a clear indication that the Mbah administration is prepared to take all necessary steps to combat crime and ensure the safety and security of its residents.
As the state government moves forward with these plans, property owners across Enugu State are expected to become more vigilant in screening potential tenants. The looming threat of property demolition or forfeiture will likely deter many from knowingly or unknowingly renting their properties to individuals involved in criminal activities. This, in turn, could contribute to a broader decline in crime rates as the spaces available for such activities become increasingly limited.
The coming weeks will be crucial as the government begins to implement these measures. The success of this initiative could set a precedent not just for Enugu State but for other regions grappling with similar challenges. As the state steps up its fight against crime, all eyes will be on how effectively it balances the need for justice with the rights of property owners, ensuring that the rule of law prevails while also safeguarding the innocent.
