Gov Peter Obi Demolishes Another Kidnapper's House

TWO houses belonging to a suspected robbery and kidnap kingpin, Mr. Emeka Ezekude, were demolished on Wednesday at Umuatu, Uli in Ihiala Local Government, Anambra State on the orders of Governor Peter Obi.

Obi, who led the demolition exercise, said  it was part of the war against kidnapping and other crimes in the state.

One of the buildings was a nine–bedroom bungalow still under construction, while the other was a four-bedroom flat. The construction of the nine-bedroom bungalow was begun a few months ago, the residents told reporters.

The suspect was said a member of notorious kidnap gang led by Olisa Ifedika, alias Ofeakwu, whose mansions were demolished at Oraifite in Ekwusigo local government area two months ago.

Ifedika was said to have named Ezekude as a member of his gang while being interrogated by the police and investigations led to the discovery of large quantity of arms and ammunition in his house at Uli.

Ezekude, 40, and married with five children was said to be involved in the delivery of sand to building contractors, while his main business was armed robbery and kidnapping.

Items recovered from the house included, one rocket grenade, three grenade propellers, two A.K47 riffles, zero six riffle, 27 A.K47 magazines, 170 rounds of live ammunition and nine chains used in restraining kidnap victims.

The arms and ammunition were hidden underground in plastic containers on the premises.

Wednesday’s demolition is the third to be carried out on property owned by suspected kidnappers ad armed robbers  in Anambra State.

He reiterating  that any building linked with kidnapping and armed robbery in the state would be demolished.

Deputy Commissioner of police in charge of operations, Mr. Ayole Abeh, who accompanied the governor to Uli for the exercise, said the suspect confessed to being an armed robber and a kidnapper during interrogation.

The governor commended the police and other security agencies for their sustained efforts to rid the state of criminals and assured of continued government support to security operatives.