The people of Umunbo community in Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State went wild with joy on Wednesday as the state government demolished a storey building used as kidnappers’ den in Ifite-Ora village of the community.

The building was said to be where a kidnap suspect, Celestine Ughamadu, and his gang kept their victims while negotiating ransom with the abductees’ families or associates.

The demolition exercise was carried out in continuation of the state government’s policy of destroying structures used as kidnappers’ den and ensuring that no one benefitted from proceeds of crime and criminality.

Jubilant natives applauded Governor Obiano for pulling down the building and were excited when the excavator bulldozed its way into the compound of the late Okafor Ughamadu, whose son, Celestine, was said to be the kidnap king-pin terrorising the community and its environs.

Onlookers at the site during the demolition burst into spontaneous solidarity chants in praise of Governor Obiano’s security initiatives, insisting that he had their support any day.

Speaking to newsmen, a youth leader in the area, Mr. Anthony Osita, thanked the governor for sustaining the fight to rid the state of all forms of crime and urged youths of the area to avoid getting involved in criminal activities but seek productive and legal ventures to make money.

He noted that the kidnap suspect had brought shame to the community with his alleged nefarious activities and thanked the governor for rescuing them from the gang.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Finihan Adeoye, who spoke on the demolition exercise, stated that the suspect, who is currently at large, kept abducted victims in the house and extorted millions of naira as ransom from their relations before they regained their freedom.

He said: “Celestine abducted many persons, including a businessman and the head of Assemblies of God Church in Onitsha, while also letting the building out to other gangs to keep their victims.”

Finihan said Anambra State Government and the security agencies making up the Operation Kpochapu were resolute in their efforts to win the war against crime and urged youths to engage themselves in legitimate sources of livelihood.