The government of Cross River State, thursday launched a massive crackdown on criminal hideouts in the state, including the operational base of illicit drug peddlers, kidnappers den, illegal scrap metal operators, brothels etc.
The operation which was carried out by men of the state special security outfit, Operation Akpakwu saw the arrest of women culprits.
At Mayne Avenue, Calabar South where some illegal operators of scrap metal were arrested, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, an aide to the state Governor said the crackdown was necessitated by the order of the government suspending all activities of scrap metal operators in the state.
He lamented a situation where the state once deemed to be the nation’s tourism capital could be defaced by activities of scrap metal.
“apart from defacing the beauty of the state, some of these illegal scrap operators use their operational base as hideouts for criminal elements in the state where illegal weapons and other dangerous items are stored. As a government, what we are saying is that if you must do your business, then you must do it legitimately. Government wants to know who is doing what while they also know government and who to contact. We will not allow a situation where just anyone would be allowed to do any business without the knowledge of the government ”
Some of those arrested who confessed to being aware of government directives suspending all activities of scrap metal, however pleaded for forgiveness.
On other criminal hideouts, Barr Akiba Ekpenyong noted that there were serious actions going on in most locations across the state.
“This exercise has become important to buttress the governor’s determination in combating criminal activities in the state.
Don’t forget that upon swearing in, the governor had extended an olive branch to criminals who are willing to embrace the amnesty opportunity in the state to take the window and repent of their ways with an alternative to those not willing to exit the state”.
Akiba added that the governor has been patient enough, insisting that the state government was determined to ensure that all criminal elements are completely taken off the state. He assured that those arrested will be thoroughly investigated and those found culpable, prosecuted to serve as lesson for others.
Some residents who spoke on condition of anonymity lauded the governor for his swift response in taking a decisive action against criminal gangs in the state, assuring the government of their maximum support and cooperation to end the menace of criminal activities.
