The Cross River State security outfit, Operation Akpakwu has pulled down a hotel which was alleged to have saved as a haven for suspected kidnappers.
Mr. Henry Okokon, state security adviser, south to the governor, Prof Ben Ayade said at the weekend in Calabar that Save Side Hotel located at 8 Miles area in Calabar Municipality allegedly harboured suspected kidnappers terrorising the state.
He 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 the governor makes it clear 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 urged landlords and hotel owners to do a thorough background screening of their tenants and guests before giving them accommodation.
