Governor Ben Ayade of Cross Rivers state has demolished a sprawling estate along Edim Ita Street by the Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) in Calabar South local government area of the state.
The property reportedly belong to a suspected kidnap kingpin whose name was given as Kufre Eyo.
Eyo is among the 35 suspected kidnappers and cultists declared wanted by the state government Monday, and while some of the suspects had been arrested by law enforcement agencies, Eyo, who is popularly called ‘Romance’ has been evasive. His father, who has been picked up by government, is said to be giving useful information about the activities of his son.
In a chat with reporters, the security adviser to the governor , Chief Ani Esin, said Eyo had been in the watch list of government for a long time, and that after a thorough investigation regarding his culpability in various criminal activities in the state, government decided to go after him.
“Kufre has been on our watch list and we have been on his trail for a long time. After intelligence gathering and detailed investigations, we swung into action by demolishing his mini estate.
“He owns a mini estate containing various flats and we are still after him and others like him, and we have his father with us who is giving is useful information. We are certain that we will get him and others like him. It is no more business as usual because Governor Ayade means business.
“He is among the 35 persons declared wanted recently by the Cross River state government and we are not relenting in making sure that crime is a thing of the past in the state. There shall be no hiding place for criminals, whether cultists, armed robbers or kidnapers. Their assets will be confiscated and demolished.
“Governor Ayade is serious about ensuring that we maintain our status as the safest place in Nigeria. Others like him should take note and leave Cross River. I want to make it clear that he never sold ticket for any government agency as alleged, he is a criminal and we are after him and his cohorts,” Esin, who led the demolition team, stated.
Recall that shortly after the state government declared 35 suspected cultists wanted over incessant criminal activities and killings in Calabar metropolis, the Nigerian Navy paraded 42 arrested suspects and handed them over to the state government for further investigation and prosecution.
