Niger demolishes building ‘owned by kidnapper’

November 6, 2021 4:47 pm

The Niger government says a building located at Yingabe area of Minna, the state capital, which was demolished, belongs to a suspected kidnapper.

Two structures — a completed two-bedroom flat where the suspect was allegedly residing with his family members and another two-bedroom flat under construction — were demolished.

Emmanuel Umar, Niger commissioner for local government, community development, chieftaincy affairs and internal security, who spoke during the exercise on Friday, said the demolition will serve as a deterrent to other persons who want to get involved in crime.

According to him, the state government received report that the owner of the building was involved in kidnapping, after which the suspect was arrested.

“What you are seeing behind is proceeds of crime. The building is owned by a kidnapper that has been arrested, and since it is our policy not to allow criminality reign in the state, the law enforcement agencies, in partnership with the state government, are so happy to have established this,” he said

According to Umar, investigation into the suspect’s activities are ongoing.

He also encouraged the residents to be vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.

See photos of the demolition exercise below.