Police begin recovery of looted items in Calabar, 80 suspects in custody
The Cross River State Police Command has started recording positive results with the arrest of some of those who vandalized various government and private property in the state capital.
Besides some looted items seen at various street corners as abandoned by suspected looters in fear of the house to house search order directed by government, the combine security stop and search action has also yielded result with the arrest of suspects.
Responding to reporters request for an update on Monday, the Cross River Commissioner of police, Abdulkadir Jimoh said they have so far recovered a lot of looted items and have apprehended many.
“We have up to 80 suspects in police custody, different facilities arrested in connection with looting of private offices, homes as well as those who invaded office of a National Assembly member, carting away various empowerment items including tricycles, stage and sound equipment from Calabar International Conference Center, CICC.
He urged the traditional institutions community leaders, faith groups, youth as well as community policing committees including the good people of Cross River to expose looters.
His words: “I want to urge Community leaders, youth group, religious leaders to expose the looters and shame them.
We have arrested over 80 suspects and they are undergoing interrogation in various security facilities. Looters have 24 hours to return all looted items before the house to house search gets to them as recovery of looted items is ongoing.
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He further warned landlord, parents, community and religious leaders not to hide or cover up for any criminal in their environment adding that the house to house search which was in effect was not business as usual.
“No criminal element will be spared; no one who vandalized government property or looted personal effects and invaded people private offices will go unpunished as they will face the full wrath of law.
“We are already working in synergy with other sister agencies in a bid to fish out the bad egg as well as recover looted items, I will advise all those who are in possession of such items to in their own interest bring them out at conspicuous locations or face justice,” he said.
Speaking further, the Police Commissioner said they have so far recovered four new tricycles, water heaters, bath tubs, Air Conditioners, musical Speakers, Executive chairs amongst other items mostly suspected to be stolen from the Campaign office of House of Representatives member, Hon Etta Mbora.
Other items include stage equipment at the CICC, sewing machines from garment factory, fumigating equipment cartons of pesticides and so on.
The Police Boss condemned the perpetrators of arson and the vandalism which took place in the state on Saturday 24th October and assured that his command will not rest until they were all apprehended and total peace returns to the city and the state at large.
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