*As Gov. Mbah, Dr. Ndu condemn the dastardly act, say no hiding place for criminals
The Enugu State Government has reportedly ordered the demolition of the properties (both the completed and uncompleted), belonging to the native doctor accused of kidnapping people and throwing them into soakaway pit in Umuojo village in Umumba-Ndiagu, Ezeagu Local Government Area.
Information gathered from eyewitnesses, said the bulldozer which carried out the demolition was conveyed to the native doctor’s house by a low-bed trailer hired for the purpose by the Ezeagu LGA authorities.
A native doctor, whose name was given as Mr. Onyeka Obu, popularly known as “E Dey Play, E Dey Show”, a native of Umuojo clan in Isiagu Umumba autonomous Community, Umumba-Ndiagu in Ezeagu LGA, who is the key suspect in the dastardly act.
The heinous criminal activitiy of the native doctor was uncovered on May 26, following the abduction of a 13-year-old girl by a gang led by the so-called acclaimed herbalist, who is currently on the run.
In a statement Wednesday by the Local Government, it stated that: “Following the directive of the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, in line with existing laws against kidnapping in the State and with the support of the community, including youths, women, and elders, the suspect’s buildings and properties were demolished.
“The Executive Chairman, Ezeagu Local Government Area, Dr. Vita Ndu, has strongly condemned the dastardly act”.
In a press briefing held shortly after the demolition, Dr. Ndu expressed deep shock and dismay over the crime, which was unravelled following the discovery of two additional corpses buried in a soakaway pit on the suspect’s property still being developed.
The Chairman affirmed his stance and that of Governor Mbah on zero tolerance for criminality in Enugu state, stating unequivocally that those involved in kidnapping, murder or any form of illicit activities have no hiding place in Ezeagu LGA or in Enugu State.
Dr. Ndu, who personally took the rescued minor to a hospital for medical treatment and evaluation, affirmed the local government’s commitment to safeguarding every citizen.
He extended his profound gratitude to the state governor for his swift response, as well as to the residents and youths of Umuojo Community for their vigilance and courage in waging the war against criminality.
“The proactive action of the people and swift intervention of key security stakeholders and youths contributed immensely in revealing and checkmating this ugly incidence that could have claimed more victims.
“This community has sent a strong message that crime will not be tolerated here.
“Immediate and sustained security operations must continue to rid our land of these criminal elements masquerading as herbalists.
“If you are a criminal, if you are involved in kidnapping or any illicit activities, leave Ezeagu and Enugu State now. We will find you, and justice will be served,” he stressed.
Two suspect’s linked to the crime have been arrested, while two decomposing unidentified corpses of a male and a female victim have been recovered from the scene.
On his part, Dr. Celestine Nwolie, President-General of Umuojo Isiagu Autonomous Community, expressed gratitude to the government and security forces.
Similarly, High Chief F.C. Okeke, the Village Head of Umuojo Umuoma, condemned the incident, stating that while the community is saddened by the revelations, they are relieved that justice is being served.
He extended special appreciation to the Enugu State Police Command, the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Area Commands, Ezeagu Neighborhood watch and all other security operatives who played key roles in the swift and effective response.
