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The Cross River State Government security outfit ‘Operation Akpakwu’ has demolished a hotel that allegedly served as a hideout for suspected kidnappers in the state.
The ‘ Save side hotel ’ located at 8 Miles area in Calabar Municipality was allegedly harbouring suspected kidnappers terrorising the state .
Mr Henry Okokon, the State Security Adviser , South, to Governor Ben Ayade, who spoke after the demolition at weekend , alleged that most of the kidnap cases carried out in Calabar were planned and coordinated from the hotel .
He said the Homeland Security bill which was signed into law by Governor Ayade clearly stated that “anybody who aids , abets and harbours a criminal is also guilty of the crime .”
He said residents of the area lived in fear as they were harassed by the suspected kidnappers who took over the hotel .
“The demolition exercise is an ongoing process , it is part of the activities of Operation Akpakwu that was set up to fight criminality in the state , especially kidnapping .
“The governor had warned landlords who are harbouring criminals to desist from doing so . Therefore, anybody found to be harbouring , abetting , or aiding crime , must definitely be held responsible.
“This hotel is one of the buildings that have been harbouring criminals and the government has decided to bring it down.
This is a warning signal to all , and I think everybody should be aware of this . The general public should be aware that security is everyone’s business .
“I want to state that all legal procedures were taken before this building was demolished. The police have equally done their investigation , that is why we have the Army , Navy, and Air Force personnel here on the ground ,” he said .
Okokon stated that landlords and hotel owners should ensure carrying out a thorough background check of their tenants and guests before giving them accommodation .
Four houses owned by suspected kidnappers and a brothel were also demolished in Calabar recently .
Fatimah Oyesanmi
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