By Oye Chukwujekwu
Special Correspondent, Asaba
The homes and properties of convicted kidnappers and their collaborators in Delta State will be demolished to check kidnapping and other criminal activities.
Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, told new Commissioner of Police, Zanna Ibrahim, who visited him in Asaba, that the amended anti-kidnapping law would go beyond jail sentence as the homes and properties of culprits would be destroyed because they are proceeds of crime.
“We will do all we can to stop kidnappings in the state; it is becoming a menace in the country. We are amending the anti-kidnapping law in the state to make sure that those involved and their collaborators will not go scot free with the proceeds of the crime.
“The houses and properties of those involved, their beneficiaries and collaborators, will be brought down.
“We will implement the law to the letter when the amended bill is passed and signed into law,” Okowa pledged.
He commended Ibrahim on his plans to partner with communities and vigilante groups in crime prevention and intelligence gathering and assured him of the government’s commitment to a crime free Delta.
The vigilante law will be amended to clear all contentious issues, he added.
“We welcome your advocacy as it will enable the communities build confidence in the police, and information will be given to the police without fear.
“It is difficult to police a state without partnership with the community stakeholders. some of our people have become apprehensive of the activities of the criminals among the herdsmen and it has spread to the cattle rearers who have lived among us.
“We need to sift the criminals from the genuine ones, this advocacy will help us in this process.”
Okowa assured Ibrahim of government’s support in mopping up arms and making the state crime free and peaceful for investors, visitors, and all Deltans.
Ibrahim expressed appreciation to Okowa for the warm reception, and promised to partner with traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to rid the state of crime.
“I will synergise with stakeholders and hold advocacy meetings with communities while sharing information with security agencies in and outside the state to check crimes.
“We will engage vigilante groups for information and intelligence gathering and mop up light arms so as to make Delta State crim
