EBONYI SEALS GUEST HOUSE, ARRESTS 30 SUSPECTED SEX WORKERS OVER SECURITY CONCERNS

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Ebonyi State Government has sealed a guest house in Abakaliki and arrested about 30 suspected sex workers following an inspection that reportedly uncovered substances suspected to be hard drugs.

The operation was carried out by the Commissioner for Capital City and Urban Planning, Richard Ugo Idike, in collaboration with the Commissioner for Internal Security, Prince Etta Uka Ude, security operatives and members of the ministry’s task force.

Speaking during the inspection, Idike expressed concern over alleged security threats linked to activities at the facility, saying the presence of individuals reportedly from different states had raised concerns about public safety in the area.

He said the team recovered substances suspected to be hard drugs, including wrappers allegedly containing substances locally known as Colos and Indian hemp.

The suspected substances were reportedly handed over to security operatives for further investigation.

Idike said the state government was committed to ensuring that buildings within Abakaliki were used for lawful purposes and complied with approved development plans.

He urged property developers and building owners to obtain the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Capital City and Urban Planning before commencing construction.

The commissioner warned that the government would not tolerate the use of unapproved buildings for activities considered capable of threatening public safety.

He subsequently ordered the guest house sealed indefinitely pending clarification of the circumstances surrounding the facility and compliance with the ministry’s requirements.

Idike also directed the owner of the guest house to report to the ministry to explain the situation and resolve outstanding issues relating to the building.

In his remarks, Ude said the Ministry of Internal Security was primarily concerned with protecting residents and ensuring adequate security across the state.

He stressed that the government would not allow any premises to serve as a haven for criminal activities.

According to him, the Ebonyi State Government, under Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, remained committed to maintaining peace, law and order.

Ude urged security agencies to intensify surveillance of establishments suspected of engaging in illegal activities, particularly in Abakaliki, to prevent criminal elements from exploiting business premises to undermine public safety.

He also emphasised the need for collaboration among government agencies, security operatives and members of the public to identify and address security threats.

At the time of filing this report, the arrested individuals had reportedly been taken into police custody for further investigation, while the owner of the guest house had yet to be arrested.

The operation forms part of the state government’s enforcement efforts on building regulations, public safety and security within the capital city.