Delta State Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has disclosed that the state government would demolish houses and properties of convicted kidnappers and their collaborators in the state to check incidents of kidnapping and other criminal activities.

Speaking when he received on a courtesy visit, Mr. Zanna Ibrahim, the newly posted state Commissioner of Police and his team in Asaba, Governor Okowa said that the amended kidnapping law would go beyond jail sentence for kidnappers as the properties and houses of culpable individuals and their collaborators would be demolished as they will be considered as proceeds of crime.

“We will do all we can to stop kidnappings in the state, it is becoming a menace in the country, we are amending the anti-kidnapping law in the state to make sure that those involved and their collaborators will not go scot free with the proceeds of the crime. The houses and properties of those involved, their beneficiaries and collaborators will be brought down. We will implement the law to the letter when the amended bill is passed and signed into law”, the governor said.

He commended Mr Ibrahim on his plans to partner with communities and vigilante groups in crime prevention and intelligence gathering and assured him of the state government’s commitment to a crime free Delta State, adding that the state’s vigilante law would be amended to make it operational and clear all contentious issues.

“We welcome your advocacy as it will enable the communities build confidence in the police, and information will be given to the police without fear. It is difficult to police a state without partnership with the community stakeholders, some of our people have become apprehensive of the activities of the criminals among the herdsmen and it has spread to the cattle rearers who have lived among us , we need to sift the criminals from the genuine ones, this advocacy will help us in this process,”, he stated

While assuring the Police Commissioner of government’s partnership in the mopping up of light arms in the state, Governor Okowa promised to work with his team to make the state crime free and peaceful for investors, visitors and all Deltans .

Earlier, Mr. Ibrahim expressed his appreciation to Governor Okowa for the warm reception he got on his assumption of office, stressing that he would partner with traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to ensure a crime free state.

“I will synergise with stakeholders and hold advocacy meetings with communities while sharing information with security agencies within and outside the state to check crimes. We will engage vigilante groups for information and intelligence gathering and mop up light arms so as to make Delta State crime free”, he said.