Rivers LG Boss Orders Hotel Sealed for Harboring Bandits

In Rivers State, Nigeria, the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Mr. Charles Wobodo, has taken decisive action by ordering the permanent sealing of Augusta Hotel in the Igwuruta area. This drastic measure was taken following credible intelligence and evidence that the hotel was being used as a hideout for bandits responsible for terrorizing local communities. The LGA has recently been plagued by attacks on areas like Ipo, Igwuruta, and Igwuruta-Ali, with bandits, allegedly herdsmen, being the perpetrators.

The Chairman's Chief Press Secretary, Wariso Wariso, confirmed the development, stating that the local government council acted upon irrefutable proof that the hotel was complicit in harboring criminals. Wobodo emphasized the importance of community vigilance, urging residents to profile individuals they accommodate, stressing that while providing shelter is acceptable, knowing the identity and activities of guests is crucial for security.

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Today, we have come here with all the witnesses, we have gotten full evidences that they harbour the bandits and kidnappers here. With all the evidences we have, this hotel is permanently sealed off.

Expressing strong disappointment, Wobodo declared that the hotel would cease to exist and that the council would initiate proceedings to confiscate the property. He directly addressed the hotel owner, demanding an immediate report to security agencies to account for the individuals found on the premises and their activities. This decisive action by the Ikwerre Local Government Council signals a firm stance against criminal elements and their enablers within the community, aiming to restore peace and security to the affected areas.

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When we say people should profile all those leaving 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.