Bello demolishes kidnappers’, terrorists’ den in Okene

THE Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on Wednesday led security chiefs in the state to Okene town, Okene local government area of the state to demolish buildings, including a mosque being used by suspected kidnappers, terrorists and armed robbers in perpetrating their crimes.

Accompanied by the commissioner of police, Kogi State command, Mr Wilson Inalegwu, and heads of other security agencies in the state, the governor said the state would no longer be a safe haven for criminals.

At least two buildings were pulled down in the operation, while some others have been marked for demolition.

The building of a suspected kidnap kingpin, Alhaji Tijani Bakare was the first to be pulled down at Oyunkoko ward in Okene of the state.

The enforcement team also demolished the Ahlul-Sunnah Mosque in Inike, Okene, which was reportedly hijacked in 2015 by members of the Boko Haram terrorist group and has been serving as an operational base for their nefarious activities.

Bello said he was ready to implement the Anti-kidnapping, Robbery and Terrorism Law in the state to the letter.

He warned people who were harbouring criminals in their homes to repent to avoid their structures being pulled down.

Also speaking, the Police Commissioner, said the command was prepared to rid the state of criminal.

“This is a strong message to kidnappers and hoodlums that they must change their ways. They should work hard and earn a decent living.

“We want to make Kogi safe so that living here or travelling through Kogi will not have fear of being kidnapped,” he said.