By Valentine Amanze
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has ordered the immediate demolition of property acquired through crimes in line with the state anti-kidnapping and cultism law.
Wike also reiterated his offer of amnesty to cultists and kidnappers who submit their arms to the state security agencies and commit themselves to honest living. On Tuesday, Wike in company of soldiers and policemen supervised the demolition of the home and hideout of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area notorious suspected cultist and kidnapper, Munachim Ihunwo, in Rumuolumini community.
The governor stated that his administration has zero tolerance for cultism and kidnapping.
He warned that any suspect arrested would face the full weight of the law.
He disclosed that the arrested suspected cultist and his boys have terrorised Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, creating insecurity in the commercial zone of the state.
His words: “The Rivers State government has taken over the criminal hideout of these arrested cultists. After the ongoing demolition of their hideout, we will build a police station and mini barracks in this location. We have also taken over the home of the kingpin that we have also demolished.
“This is to let members of the public know that this administration is serious. We will not allow anyone to cause insecurity in this state. We will chase criminals to their hideout and recover stolen properties.
“Let them submit their arms and we will give them amnesty “.
The governor declared that the state government would continue to demolish the homes and hideouts of confirmed cultists and kidnappers to serve as a deterrent to would-be cultists and kidnappers.
He, however, commended the combined team of soldiers and policemen for effectively fighting criminals in the state.
Wike appealed to the people of the state to continue to cooperate with security agencies by providing relevant information that will lead to the arrest of criminals.
Briefing Wike on the operation that led to the arrest of the suspected notorious cult kingpin, Lieutenant Colonel AC Unaogu said that Munachim Ihunwo runs a camp with 200 armed criminals. He disclosed that the security agencies were trying to locate the camp.
According to Unaogu, the cult kingpin and his boys were arrested in their hideout which has a shrine with human skulls. It was learnt that the demolished home of the cult kingpin also has a tunnel and shrine with human skulls.
Wike directed the Special Adviser on Lands, Anugbum Onuoha, to initiate the process for the government to acquire the lands hitherto owned by the suspected cultists.