In light of the recent demolition of a building allegedly used for illegal harvesting of human organs, among other illegal and criminal activities, an urgent call has been made to rethink how society responds to properties linked with such serious crimes.
Speaking on behalf of NIDMECORP (the International Organisation for Nationals In Diaspora Mentoring Corp), Mentoring Cmdt Alistair called on government authorities at both state and federal levels to halt the practice of demolishing crime-linked buildings and instead, embrace a progressive approach that turns such structures into resources for healing, empowerment, and societal developmental growth.
While no society can or should tolerate acts such as kidnapping, ritual killings, human trafficking, and proceeds of crimes, the destruction of valuable buildings—often worth tens or hundreds of millions of naira—represents a missed opportunity.
These structures can serve as centres for trauma recovery, youth rehabilitation, health centres, law enforcement training, or NGOs focused on social justice and victim support.
In recent years, several states in Nigeria have adopted demolition policies targeting properties associated with crime. Many states in the nation have demolished houses in local areas and other places allegedly used by kidnappers; sanctioned the demolition of buildings linked with crime syndicates and activities.
Major cities around the country too have seen similar actions by authorities removing structures tied to criminal acts. While these actions are often celebrated as symbolic justice, they deny communities the chance to repurpose those assets for social upliftment.
For example, a ₦50million building demolished becomes rubble, safety hazards and in need of the government to clear the challenge—but if converted, it could serve thousands through community programs, emergency shelters, or training initiatives. An Alternative Vision from NIDMECORP – Alistair added,