Rivers govt demolishes cultists’ hideouts in Rumuolumini

The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has directed the immediate demolition of property acquired through the crimes in line with the state anti-kidnapping and cultism law.

The Governor reiterated his offer of amnesty to cultists and kidnappers who submit their arms to the state security agencies and commit themselves to honest living.

Speaking in a statement signed by Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant to the Governor on Electronic Media, the Governor in a company of soldiers and policemen supervised the demolition of the home and hide out of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area notorious suspected cultist and kidnapper, Munachim Ihunwo, in Rumuolumini community.

The governor stated that his administration has zero tolerance for cultism and kidnapping. He said any suspect arrested will face the full weight of the law.

He informed that the arrested suspect and his boys have terrorised Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, creating insecurity in the commercial zone of the state.

He said: “The Rivers State Government has taken over the criminal hideout of these arrested cultists. After the ongoing demolition of their hideout, we will build a police station and mini barrack in this location. We have also taken over the home of the kingpin that we have also demolished.

“This is to let members of the public know that this administration is serious. We will not allow anyone to cause insecurity in this state. We will chase criminals to their hideout and recover crime.”

Speaking further, Wike said: “Let them submit their arms and we will give them amnesty.”

The governor declared that the state government will continue to demolish the homes and hideouts of confirmed cultists and kidnappers to serve as a deterrent to would-be cultists and kidnappers.

He commended the combined team of soldiers and policemen for effectively fighting criminals in the state, while Wike appealed to the people of the state to continue to cooperate with security agencies by providing relevant information that will lead to the arrest of hardened criminals.

Briefing Governor Wike on the operation that led the operation that led to the capture of the suspected notorious cult kingpin, Lieutenant Colonel AC Unaogu informed that Munachim Ihunwo runs a camp with 200 armed criminals. He noted that the security agencies are working round the clock to locate the camp.

The Lieutenant Colonel said that the cult kingpin and his boys were captured in their hideouts, which has a shrine with human skulls. It was learnt that the demolished home of the cult kingpin also has a tunnel and shrine with human skulls.

Wike directed the Special Adviser on Lands, Anugbum Onuoha to initiate the process for the government to acquire the lands hitherto owned by the suspected cultists.