More than 30 suspected commercial sex workers have been arrested in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, following security concerns and the discovery of suspected illicit drugs at an unapproved building operating as a guest house.
The arrests were made on Tuesday during a joint enforcement operation led by the Commissioner for Capital City Development and Urban Planning, Richard Ugo Idike, alongside the Commissioner for Internal Security, Prince Etta Uka Ude, security operatives, and members of the ministry’s task force.
Addressing journalists during the inspection, Idike expressed deep concern over the security threats posed by activities at the facility, noting that the influx of occupants from various states raised serious public safety alarms.
“The presence of individuals reportedly drawn from different states within an unapproved facility raises critical security and public safety concerns for the area,” Idike stated.
The Commissioner disclosed that enforcement officers discovered substances suspected to be hard drugs during the sweep, including wrappers containing local variants known as ‘Colos’ and Indian hemp. Security operatives immediately seized the contraband and secured the site.
Reiterating the state government’s zero-tolerance policy on unauthorized structures, Idike emphasised that all properties within the capital city must adhere strictly to approved master plans and serve lawful purposes.
“Property developers and building owners must obtain necessary approvals from the Ministry of Capital City and Urban Planning before commencing construction or operations.”
“The government will not tolerate the use of unapproved buildings for activities that jeopardize public peace,” he warned.
Consequently, the Commissioner ordered the immediate and indefinite sealing of the guest house pending compliance with state development regulations.
He further summoned the property owner to appear before the ministry to explain the circumstances surrounding the facility’s operations.
Echoing these concerns, the Commissioner for Internal Security, Prince Etta Uka Ude, assured residents that the state remains proactive in eradicating criminal hideouts.
“Our primary mandate is to guarantee the security and protection of all residents in Ebonyi State. Under the leadership of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, this administration will not allow any premises to become a haven for criminal activities,” Ude said.
“I urge our security agencies to intensify surveillance on commercial establishments across Abakaliki to prevent criminal elements from exploiting business premises to compromise public safety.”
“Collaboration between government agencies, law enforcement, and the public remains vital,” he added.
As of the time of filing this report, the suspects remain in police custody undergoing further investigation, while security operatives continue efforts to locate the owner of the guest house.
The closure of the facility highlights the Ebonyi State Government’s ongoing crackdown on illegal structures, urban planning violations, and criminal activity within the state capital.
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