NIDMECORP: Stop demolishing buildings used for criminal actions

An international organisation, Nationals in Diaspora Mentoring Corp (NIDMECORP) has advised government authorities to stop demolition of buildings used for criminal activities, but rather, convert them for better use.

NIDMECORP made the call in excerpts of a press conference entitled “From crime scenes to community havens: a call for purposeful reformation over demolition“, made available to Diaspora Digital Media (DDM).

In a recent report by News Band, an Anambra State bulldozer was seen destroying a building used for criminal purposes.

NIDMECORP advocated for strategic transformation of crime-linked buildings into rehabilitation and empowerment centres.

In light of the recent demolition of a building allegedly used for the 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.

Stop the demolition!

Speaking on behalf of NIDMECORP, Mentoring Commandant Alistair called on government authorities at both state and federal levels to halt the practice of demolishing crime-linked buildings.

Alistair noted that, instead, the authorities should embrace a progressive approach.

He urged them to turn such structures into resources for healing, empowerment and societal developmental growth.

The NIDMECORP spokesman said: “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.

“[They] 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 N50 million building demolished becomes rubble, safety hazards and in need of government to clear the challenge.

“But if converted, it could serve thousands through community programs, emergency shelters, or training initiatives,” Alistair noted.

An alternative vision from NIDMECORP

Alistair noted that NIDMECORP envisioned a better approach.

He stated further: “Rather than erasing these properties from existence, we propose that they be”

• Confiscated by government as part of legal due process.
• Transferred to ministries or registered NGOs for appropriate repurposing.
• Transformed into symbols of recovery, providing services to victims and promoting awareness against such crimes.

“Such a policy would not only save financial resources but would also be a strong moral and social response.

“[It demonstrates] a commitment to redemption and renewal rather than vengeance”, he concluded.

Reacting to Alistair’s submission, International Comrade Godson Azu agreed.

Comrade Azu said: ‘NIDMECORP is respectfully urging policymakers, lawmakers, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders to consider this transformative model.

‘Let us break the cycle of destruction and instead build pillars of hope from the remnants of tragedy.’

NIDMECORP urged that the spaces once abused become strongholds of healing.

“Let those walls, once echoing with pain, now shelter hope and progress.

“Let our justice not just punish — but teach, transform, and renew,” it added.

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