By Magnus Aluma, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Government has sealed Jimoh Guest House located in Abakaliki, the state capital, following an enforcement operation that led to the arrest of more than 30 persons, while substances suspected to be hard drugs were also recovered.
The operation was jointly conducted by the security operatives and members of the task force from the state Ministry of Internal Security, and the Ministry of Capital City and Urban Planning, as part of the efforts to address perceived illegal activities going on in the Guest House, and enforce urban planning regulations in the Capital City.
NewsBits reports that the facility was also sealed for reported security concerns, and alleged use of a building for a Guest House without the necessary approvals from relevant government authorities.
The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Capital City and Urban Planning, Richard Idike, told journalists during the operation that he felt concerned over reported illegal activities at the premises and said the decision was taken to protect residents and maintain public safety.
The commissioner explained that the inspection was part of the efforts of the state government to ensure that buildings within the state capital complied with approved development plans, and were used for purposes authorised by the relevant authorities. He explained that substances suspected to be hard drugs, including materials allegedly identified as Colos and Indian hemp, were recovered during the operation.
Idike said, “The suspected substances were handed over to security operatives for further investigation, while the individuals arrested during the exercise were taken into police custody for questioning.
“The state government is determined to prevent the use of Unapproved Hotel At buildings for activities that could compromise public safety, security and the orderly development of the state capital.”
The Commissioner urged property developers, landlords and property owners to obtain necessary approvals from the Ministry of Capital City and Urban Planning before commencing construction or converting existing buildings to other uses.
He noted that the government would continue to enforce relevant regulations and to take appropriate actions against property owners who failed to comply with established building and urban planning requirements. He further ordered the indefinite sealing of the Guest House pending clarification and resolution of the circumstances surrounding it, including outstanding regulatory issues.
Meanwhile, the owner of the Guest House, whose name has remained anonymous, was also directed to report to the ministry for questioning and possible clarification of the allegations. In a remark, the Commissioner for Internal Security, Etta Uka Ude, reaffirmed the commitment of the state government towards the protection of lives and property of residents of the state, and the maintenance of law and order across Ebonyi State.
The Commissioner warned that the state government would not tolerate business premises being used as havens for criminal activities or becoming potential threats to the safety and security of residents. Ude said the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru was determined to sustain peace and security across the state, adding that security agencies had been encouraged to strengthen surveillance and monitoring of establishments suspected of engaging in unlawful activities.
He also called for greater cooperation among government ministries, security agencies, property owners and members of the public, to identify and address potential security threats before they escalate. As at the time of filing this report, the identities of the arrested suspects and the extent of police investigations had not been made public, while the owner of the Guest House was still unknown.
