Cross River State Govt demolishes building belonging to suspected kidnapper and brothel housing underage girls for prostitution

The Cross River Government has demolished a building belonging to a suspected kidnapper and a brothel allegedly housing underaged girls for prostitution.

The buildings located in Calabar were demolished by the state security outfit, Operation Akpakwu on Friday, January 29.

Briefing newsmen after the demolition exercise, the State Security Adviser to Governor Ben Ayade (Southern Senatorial District), Henry Okokon, said that the state government placed a premium on the security of lives and property, hence, the need to fight all forms of criminality.

“This is part of the activities of Operation Akpakwu, a special force set up by Gov. Ayade to fight crime, especially kidnapping. This demolition is ongoing. The governor has warned that anyone involved in any form of criminality, or any landlord harbouring any criminal should desist from it,” he said.

“The bungalow that was demolished belonged to an individual who has been caught in the act of kidnapping, while the brothel was demolished for housing underage persons for prostitution and other illegal activities. This is a warning signal to everybody. Whosoever is involved in the crime of any form should desist from it,’’ Okokon said.

He said that the security outfit got a court order to demolish the buildings in line with the state Homeland Security law.

Okokon urged businessmen in the state to go about their lawful businesses, giving the assurance that the state government would do its best to protect them against criminals.