Seventeen buildings alleged to be harbouring unknown gunmen have been marked for demolition in Uli, a community in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State.
Uli in the past two years has served hideouts for armed criminal groups masquerading as members of Ebube-Agu or militias of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) who have made the village and neighbouring communities of Mgbidi, Ihiala, Awomama, Uguta, Amorka, among others unliveable.
Aside the planned demolition, a heavy deployment of Police and soldiers to bombard four villages notorious for gunmen activities in order to restore peace and security has been concluded.
These developments were disclosed by Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Echeng Echeng, at the Uli Peace and Security Summit/ Convention held weekend.
CP Echeng, who was represented at the gathering by the Ihiala Area Commander, ACP Bassey Christopher, said the security operation tagged “Action All The Way”, would not spare any building harbouring criminals and gunmen, irrespective of the owner.
“This peace and security summit is the last chance for the criminals to leave Uli town. After this meeting it is Operation Action All The Way and we advise the landlords that own those buildings to chase those criminals out of their homes.
“Already we have taken delivery of all the apparatus for this operation and I want to assure you all that before the end of this coming month, the difference would be clear in terms of security of lives and property,” he said.
Commissioner for Homeland Matters, Chikaodi Anaghara, said: “In line with Anambra State Laws any building that has been demolished belongs to the government and the former owner or landlord has lost ownership of that land. He cannot lay claim to it or want to go beck to rebuild the house.”
“It is bad and totally unacceptable to this government to condole the activities of criminals in our villages. If you want amnesty, it is going to be structured amnesty and it must start with the respective communities.
“A criminal is a criminal and we have zero tolerance to negotiating with criminals. Be informed that this meeting has given those people the opportunity to lay down their arms now because it is going to be total action.”
“When you go and kidnap, kill a soldier or policeman that has family, you should not expect pity.”
President General, Uli Progressive Union, UPU, Tobias Obiagazie, sued for amnesty for the youth that would volunteer to lay down their arms.
“It is our request, Mr Governor, that you consider the option of granting amnesty to those who will voluntarily drop their arms to embrace peace.
“A rehabilitation program similar to that of the Niger Delta will go a long way to restoring lasting peace to our town in particular and the state in general.
“Our teaming youths have been victims of long neglect’, an effective youth empowerment program will therefore be an antidote to this insecurity,’ he said.