The Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Mr. Charles Wobodo, has ordered the sealing off of a hotel in his area over alleged housing of bandits terrorising the LGA.

It was gathered that a team from the local government council had stormed the hotel in Igwuruta area of the LGA and sealed it off.

It would be recalled that 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 on the development, saying that the reason behind the seal -off of the Hotel was based on credible evidence that the hotel is harbouring bandits that perpetuate crime in the area.

The chairman in the statement said Ikwerre council has been on search to fish out criminals in the area.

He said: “Today, we have come here with all the witnesses, we have got full evidence that they harbour the bandits and kidnappers here. With all that evidence we have, this hotel is permanently sealed off.

“When we say people should profile all those living 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.”

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 are doing in the hotel.

He expressed disappointment that the owner of the hotel failed to know simple information about those occupying his hotel.

He vowed that the hotel would no longer exist again, as the council would make necessary arrangements to confiscate the property. (Vanguard)

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