|By Chinwendu Nwani
-Governor orders emergency action as violence spreads across LGAs
-Local councils to deploy rapid-response measures before year’s end
Governor Bassey Otu has raised a fresh alarm over the escalating wave of insecurity rocking Cross River State, declaring security his administration’s non-negotiable priority as cult clashes, kidnappings, armed robbery and illegal mining intensify across several local government areas.
The governor issued the warning in Calabar on Wednesday during a strategic meeting with all 18 local government chairmen, where he put insecurity at the heart of discussions and demanded urgent, coordinated intervention to stop the violent trend.
Trouble hotspots such as Yakurr, Akamkpa and Biase have witnessed a dangerous surge in criminal activities. In Yakurr alone, deadly cult wars have claimed multiple lives in three months, while illegal miners operating in large numbers continue to fuel tension and complicate security operations.
Addressing the chairmen at the State Executive Council Chamber, Governor Otu did not mince words about the gravity of the situation.
“The number one item on the agenda is the security of our local government councils,” he declared. “Government must remain vigilant and proactive. As we approach the end of the year, every citizen must feel safe—whether in the city or in remote wards.”
He said the meeting would strictly focus on security reinforcement, end-of-year community welfare support, and assessing the administration’s alignment with its People-First philosophy.
After the closed-door session, Yakurr Chairman and head of the Forum of Local Government Chairmen, Yibala Inyang, described Otu as a “concerned and caring leader” committed to confronting threats head-on.
Inyang confirmed that the session zeroed in on actionable steps to restore peace:
“Cross River is determined to decisively crush the pockets of security threats still lingering. We identified key measures that will be rolled out without delay.”
While keeping specific strategies confidential for operational reasons, he stressed that boosting citizen welfare remains central to stabilising communities.
“For security to be effectively addressed, people must be happy,” he said. “We discussed ways residents will begin to feel direct government support. Livelihoods will improve, and life will get better.”
He added that councils are compiling data to finalise welfare interventions set for deployment before the year runs out.
Inyang maintained that local councils are already “on the right track,” citing improved living conditions and ongoing development projects across the state.
“The governor’s constant engagement with chairmen shows an administration that listens and responds to the people,” he added.
