In a move to rid Imo State of drug peddling and criminal activities, the government on Wednesday demolished a notorious criminal hideout at Ama Hausa, along the ever-busy Douglas Road, Owerri, the state capital.
This is even as suspects for gunrunning and drug peddling were arrested from the shanties after they failed to give satisfactory reasons for what they were doing on the property.
The demolition was supervised by Governor Hope Uzodimma’s Special Adviser on Monitoring and Compliance, Chinasa Nwaneri, on Wednesday.
The bungalow and shanties had been repeatedly identified as a hideout which served as a hub for drug peddling, gun-running and all manner of illicit activities.
According to Nwaneri, the structure had long been under surveillance after being identified as a den for hardened criminals who specialised in trafficking hard drugs, illegal arms, and aiding other violent crimes that threatened the peace and security of residents.
He said, “Our message is clear. Imo State will not be a haven for criminals. We are going after every syndicate, every drug peddler, and every gun-runner. No one is above the law, and no criminal enterprise will be tolerated.
“The targeted structure had long been under surveillance after being identified as a den for hardened criminals who specialise in trafficking hard drugs, illegal arms, and aiding other violent crimes that have threatened the peace and security of residents, following a tip off by a patriotic citizen who brought it to the attention of the state government,” he said.
Further, the Special Adviser restated government’s call to landlords, market unions, and community leaders to be vigilant and report suspicious activities within their domains, and warned that anyone aiding or harbouring criminals would face the wrath of the law.
Nwaneri said the measure underscored the Uzodimma administration’s zero-tolerance policy on crime and its unwavering commitment to restoring law and order across the state.
He said, “Anyone aiding or harbouring criminals will be treated as an accomplice and dealt with accordingly. Imo State is on a renewed path of safety and progress, and under the current administration, criminals have no place to hide.”
Meanwhile, the Hausa community has commended the demolition saying the governor had rid their community of criminals and made it safer.
The leaders and members of the community lauded the government’s decisive action, describing the demolition as a welcome relief and that it would help cleanse their community of the few bad elements tarnishing their image and threatening peaceful coexistence.
