Not less than seventeen buildings allegedly occupied by hoodlums have been marked for demolition in Uli community in Ihiala local government area of Anambra state.
But the community leadership pleaded for amnesty to be granted to youths willing to drop their arms to embrace peace.
Commissioner of Police Mr Echeng Echeng, during a Peace and Security Summit/Convention in the area, said the Command would not spear anyone or any building harbouring criminals in the community regardless of the owners.
Echeng, represented by Police Area Commander of Ihiala, ACP Bassey Christopher said officers and men of the Police and Army have been deployed in four villages that make up the community for steady vigilance to restore peace and security in the area.
He said: “Any building harbouring criminals and gunmen would be demolished and about seventeen or so of them have already been marked for demolition and we are not going to spear anyone or any building irrespective of who the owner is.
“This Peace and Security Summit and Convention is the last chance for the criminals to leave Uli town and after this meeting it is Operation Action All The Way and we advise the landlords that own those buildings to chase those criminals out of their homes.
“Already we have taken delivery of all the apparatus for this operation and I want to assure you all that before the end of this coming month the difference would be clear in terms of security of lives and property.”
Commissioner for Homeland Matters, Chief Chikaodi Anaghara explained that any demolished structure belonged to government in line with extant laws of the land.
President General of Uli Progressive Union, Engr Tobias Obiagazie regretted that youths in the community have been victims of long neglect as he canvassed amnesty of those willing to lay down their arms.