Government of Anambra destroys shanties, criminal hideouts in markets

At the Building Materials International Market, Ogidi in the Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, members of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra Brigade have destroyed shanties and illegal constructions.

On Wednesday, they descended upon the market in great numbers and started demolishing.

According to Mr. Celestine Anere, managing director of the OCHA Brigade, the operation was intended to clear out any illegal buildings that local lawbreakers and hoodlums were thought to use as hideouts.

Anere claimed that the criminal elements have been terrorizing the market’s customers and vendors, and occasionally kidnapping and hurting innocent people.

The Special Enforcement Team of the Brigade, he claimed, had carried out the operation to drive out all criminals operating in the Ogidi and Ogbunike axis.

In order to restore sanity to the state, he said, “The Special Enforcement Team launched ‘Operation Clean Anambra’ on Tuesday. These unpermitted buildings have turned into safehouses for criminals who are terrorizing the state.

“These criminals are terrorizing the neighborhood, maiming people and committing heinous crimes of all kinds against innocent bystanders and business owners who use the road.

There have been numerous instances of crimes like kidnapping and carjacking at that intersection. They now serve as launching pads for local organized crime informants.

“The neighborhood has remained a nightmare for owners of businesses who occasionally become victims of armed robbery, kidnapping, and theft.

The removal of these shanties and illegal constructions will also help the water to flow freely through the canals because they were built on waterways, which have impeded the drainage system.

Along with the previously mentioned benefits, it will help clear up the area and lessen traffic to allow for easy vehicle movement.

As part of the state government’s agenda to create a green, clean, healthy, livable, and prosperous homeland, he continued, adding that the operatives would keep the state safe and conducive to that goal. He advised the public to contact one of the customer service lines at 07069680112, 08122554530, 08069695398, or 08120356133 with any complaints, questions, or submissions.