Anambra Govt to Demolish 17 Buildings Used as Criminal Hideouts

The Anambra State Government have marked out 17 buildings harbouring criminals in Uli Community, Ihiala local government area of the state.

Consequently, a heavy detachment of policemen and the military are already on patrol ready to strike in the four villages that make up the community in order to restore peace and security in the area.

Disclosing this at the Uli Peace and Security Summit/ Convention the tate Commissioner of Police, Mr Echeng Echeng who was represented by the Police Area Commander of Ihiala

ACP Bassey Christopher, said the security operations in the community is tagged “Action All The Way.”

The Police Commissioner said, “Any building harbouring criminals and gunmen would be demolished and about 17 have already been marked for demolition and we are not going to spare anyone or any building irrespective of who the owner is. 

“This Peace and Security Summit and Convention is the last chance for the criminals to leave Uli town and after this meeting it is Operation Action All The Way and we advise the landlords that own those buildings to chase those criminals out of their homes.

“Already we have taken delivery of all the apparatus for this operation and I want to assure you all that before the end of this coming month the difference would be clear in terms of security of lives and property.”

On his part, the state Commissioner for Homeland Matters, Chief Chikaodi Anaghara has stated that in line with the laws of the land any building that is demolished for criminals reason, the owner will lose the property.

“In line with the Anambra State Laws any building that has been demolished the owner or landlord has lost ownership of that land and he cannot lay claim to it or want to go back to rebuild the house . It is bad and totally unacceptable to this government to condone the activities of criminals in our villages and if you want amnesty it is going to be structured amnesty and it must start with the respective communities

“A criminal is a criminal and we have zero tolerance to negotiate with criminals,” noting that the meeting has given those involved the opportunity to lay down their arms now because it is going to be total action now. 

When you go and kidnap a soldier or policemen that has family and kill him, you should not expect any pity, “he said .

In his address at the summit the President General of Uli Progressive Union, Tobias Obiagazie pleaded for amnesty for youths that would volunteer to lay down their arms.

“It is our request, Mr Governor that you consider the option of granting amnesty to those who will voluntarily drop their arms to embrace peace. A rehabilitation programme similar to that of the Niger Delta will go a long way to restoring a lasting peace to our town in particular and the state in general.

“Our teaming youths have been victims of long neglect’, effective youth empowerment programme will therefore be an antidote to this insecurity. The community would collaborate with you and the state government towards achieving this”, Obiagazie added.