Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, yesterday, in Okene in the central senatorial district of the state pulled down buildings used by suspected kidnappers, terrorists and armed robbers in perpetrating their criminal acts.
The governor, who was accompanied by the state commissioner of police, Mr Wilson Inalegwu and heads of other security agencies in the state demolished two structures, with more buildings earmarked to go.
The building of a suspected kidnap kingpin, Alhaji Tijanni Bakare, was the first to be pulled down at Oyunkoko Ward in Okene local government area of the state.
The enforcement team also demolished the notorious Ahlul-Sunnah Mosque in Inike, Okene local government area 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.
Speaking during the demolition exercise, Governor Bello vowed to implement the anti-kidnapping, robbery and terrorism law in the state to the letter.
He warned those who are in the habit of harbouring criminals in their homes to repent or have their structures pulled down forthwith.
Also speaking, the Kogi State police commissioner, Mr Wilson Inalegwu, said it would no longer be business as usual for criminal elements operating in any part of the state.
“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,” the CP said.