Niger State Government has vowed to demolish any property established to have been acquired from proceeds of kidnap, banditry or other forms of criminality in the state.
Commissioner for Local Government, Community Development, Chieftaincy Affairs and Internal Security, Mr. Emmanuel Umar disclosed this, while supervising the demolition of a building belonging to a suspected kidnapper, at Yikangbe area of Minna, the state capital.
The structures comprised a completed two bedroom flat, where a suspect was occupying with his family members and another two bedroom flat yet to be completed.
Umar, who explained that a good Samaritan hinted the security agents about the suspicious activities of the suspect, which led to his arrest, and demolition of his residence, added that the suspect has since been taken to Abuja for further investigation.
The Commissioner maintained that government would not allow the state to be a safe haven for kidnappers and bandits, assuring that Governor Abubakar Sani Bello was determined to protect the life and property, as well as rid the entire state of criminal elements.
Umar commended the efforts of the security agencies and those who provided useful information that led to the arrest of the suspect.
He, however, enjoined the citizens to be vigilant and report to security agents any suspicious activities around their vicinity, assuring them that any information provided would be treated with confidentiality.
The ward head of the community, Inuwa Makun lauded the proactive step taken by the government and security agencies, promising that the people of the community would be more security conscious.
Some residents of the area expressed shock over the development, stating that the arrested kidnapper bought the house recently and moved into the neighborhood two months ago.
