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The Abia State Government has demolished buildings used to confine kidnap victims.

Among the houses demolished are a bungalow located in Eziala-Nsulu, Isialangwa North Local Government Area of the State and 7, Oma Close, Opposite New Life, Uratta in Aba South Local Government Area.

Addressing journalists in the company of the Abia State Commissioner of Police, CP Janet Agbede, at one of the demolition sites, the Security Adviser to the Governor of Abia State, Captain Awa Udensi (Rtd), said the house at Eziala-Nsulu was used by kidnappers.

He added that the Police had in February, arrested three suspected criminals and recovered locally made riffles at the second building located at Omalozu Avenue, off Uratta Road, Aba.

The Security Adviser explained that, in line with the relevant laws of the State enacted by the Abia State House of Assembly, the penalty for kidnapping is death upon conviction, while any building used as a hideout for kidnappers would be demolished in line with the law.

He said the demolition would serve as a deterrent to those who use their houses or avail their houses as kidnappers’ hideouts.

He also advised those who have houses they do not currently use to protect such buildings from being used as dens for kidnappers.

He said the present government under the leadership of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has zero tolerance for crime, stating that the Governor had ensured synergy between the government and security agencies in the State towards protecting Abians and those who do business in the State.

Captain Udensi then called on landlords and tenants to make sure they fish out suspected criminals among them by reporting them to the police to face justice.