BEVERLY HILLS, July 8, (THEWILL) – The Cross River State governor, Senator Ben Ayade, on Friday read the riot act to criminals in the state, advising them to look elsewhere for their nefarious activities as they will soon be flushed out of their various hideouts.
Addressing newsmen at the Peace Park, Calabar, shortly after a five-hour security council meeting, the governor, who was accompanied by service commanders in the state as well as his State Security Adviser, unveiled a new security agenda aimed at containing the emerging threats to the prevailing peace and security of the state.
He warned criminal elements believed to have infiltrated Cross River from neighbouring states that their time was up, stressing that “We have identified the homes of the kingpins, we have the coordinates of their armoury, we have a clear picture of their modus operandi and we are working on a massive attack, we are coming after them.
“We have understood the basis of this crime, we have names, security reports of specific people, their agents, and their modus operandi have been well analysed by security commanders and we are confident that the action you will see in a matter of days to come, will be different.”
Vowing not to allow anti-social forces steal some of the unique elements which stand Calabar and indeed Cross River out among other states, Ayade said: “Cross River is known as the home state of tourism, Calabar is known as the destination for African hospitality, anything that will impinge on the integrity, knowledge, wealth and values of the state must be resisted by Cross Riverians and Nigerians. ”
Decked in army green combat trousers, the governor disclosed that a total of 47 criminals have been arrested in the wake of the recent security threats in the state capital, adding that “none of those arrested are Cross Riverians and that clearly underscores the fact that the culture, integrity, character and honour of the people of the state have not changed.”
On cultism which he observed was beginning to resurface, the Governor warned: “We as an administration are going to take deliberate steps to ensure that any person who is in any cult and is in government is thrown out.”
On the intractable communal clashes in the state, resulting in the wanton destruction of lives and property, Ayade ordered the immediate withdrawal of certificates of recognition of traditional rulers in the affected communities.
He explained that, as part of the new strategy, his administration has decided to increase the budgetary provision for security, disclosing that, “we will provide additional 30 vehicles to cover Calabar city centre, increase the fire power of “Operation Skolombo,” expand our security network and introduce Cross River State Homeland Security Service that will provide intelligence report to Operation Skolombo and other security agencies in the state.”
The governor, who assured the citizenry of their safety, urged them not to hesitate in calling the emergency numbers so provided.
He further hinted that the state and indeed, Calabar, will be divided into 18 cells, even as” nine entry and nine exit points have also been identified.”
Stating that his team was aware of all militants parading and taking full occupation of Bakassi, he lamented that “the people of Bakassi have been in pains as their land and oil wells were taken away, while still being reduced in spirit, psychology and economy” adding “we can’t afford to create a perilous nightmare for the same people.”
While expressing confidence in the Federal government, Ayade, however, appealed to the President to extend “Operation Delta Safe” to Cross River state in order not to isolate the state in the battle to keep the Niger Delta region safe.
