The Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Charles Wobodo, has disclosed that the sealing of a hotel in the Igwuruta area of the LGA was based on credible evidence that it was harbouring bandits who perpetrate crime in the area.
TheTimes Nigeria recalls the LGA has been in the news over attacks on communities in the area, including Ipo, Igwuruta, and Igwuruta-Ali, over attacks by bandits alleged to be herdsmen.
However, the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Wariso Wariso, in a statement in Port Harcourt, said Wobodo has ordered the sealing off of a hotel in his area over the alleged housing of bandits terrorising the LGA.
The chairman in the statement said Ikwerre council has been on a search to fish out criminals in the area.
Wobodo further ordered the owner of the hotel, identified as Augusta Hotel, to report himself immediately to the security agents to explain where the number of persons discovered in his hotel came from and what they were doing there.
While expressing disappointment over the hotel’s failure to provide information about those occupying his hotel, the chairman vowed that the hotel would no longer exist, as the council would make necessary arrangements to confiscate the property.
He said, “Today, we have come here with all the witnesses, we have gotten full evidence that they harbour the bandits and kidnappers here. With all the evidences we have, this hotel is permanently sealed off.
“When we say people should profile all those leaving with them, people don’t understand that. We don’t say don’t give a house to people or accommodate people, but what we are saying is that you need to get simple information about the person you are giving your house to.”
