The executive governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike has directed the destruction of “criminal hideouts” in Ahoada, Elele, Eleme and Onne LGAs to curb insecurity in the state.
This was contained in a statement released on Friday by the special assistant on media to the governor, Kelvin Ebiri.
Wike announced the development in a statewide broadcast.
According to Wike, the government has identified hideouts that provide cover for hoodlums to plan and execute operations.
The governor also stated that criminals are coming to terms with the reality that the state is too hot for them to invade at will.
“This was the reason we ordered the destruction of all the shanties and makeshift structures located along Elele to Ahoada expanse of the East–West road to deny the criminals the opportunity to continue to undermine our security from these hideouts,” Wike said.
“We have equally decided to destroy all the shanties, illegal shops and mechanic sheds along the Eleme to Onne stretch of the East-West road having discovered these places as hideouts and operational bases for criminals and criminal activities in the State.
“Consequently, I hereby direct owners of such shanties and illegal structures along the Eleme–Onne axis of the East-West road to vacate the area within two weeks from today 11th June, 2021, as the State Government will go ahead to destroy these structures without any further notice.”
Wike said the government will continue to take the war against insecurity to the den of criminals.