BY CHIDI NKWOPARA
OWERRI — Landlords or families who harbour criminals, strangers and persons of doubtful integrity in their premises are now in for serious trouble, following the full implementation of the provisions of the anti-kidnapping law in the state.

Security operatives in Imo State on February 9, 2011, demolished the family house of Nwama at  Umunegbele in Aboh na Umuopara section of Dim-na-nume, Isu Autonomous Community of Nwangele Local Government Council of Imo State.

The family faced the unpleasant consequence for allowing kidnappers to use their house as a hostage camp for kidnapped victims in the state.

An indigene of the area, Chief Bright Onyirioha, who spoke to Vanguard at the scene, expressed happiness with the action of the security operatives, adding that “no responsible person in their clan associates with Nwama’s family”.

He recalled with tears an incident that occurred in the same family two years ago when a couple was burnt to ashes by their grandson.

Giving reasons for the demolition, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP, Imo State, Mr. Deji Adebanjo, said: “By virtue of the provisions of the anti- kidnap law passed by Imo State House of Assembly, the compound has automatically become government property, following its usage as a home for kidnapped victims.”

He added that credible intelligence report revealed that the place was being used for deadly criminal activities, adding that the command infiltrated the place with informants, and this led to the arrest of four kidnap suspects and shocking recovery of assorted arms and ammunition, including rocket propelled launchers.

In the same vein, the local government chairman, who was also present during the demolition, commended the Police and other security agencies in the state for a good job.

He praised the state governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, for his unwavering support to the security agencies and pledged to do more in the area of security in the local government area.

Present during the demolition were top security chiefs from the Police and other security agencies, including the Commander, 34 Field Artillery Brigade, Obinze.