By Ita Williams
Governor Bassey Otu has inaugurated a security sensitisation campaign in Calabar, declaring that his administration will continue to take proactive steps to safeguard Cross River against terrorism and other security threats.
The Governor, represented by the State Security Adviser, retired Maj. Gen. Okoi Obono, flagged off the roadshow on Tuesday as part of activities preceding the state’s Security Summit, themed “Unite Against Terror.”
He said the campaign seeks to build public awareness while encouraging residents to cooperate with security agencies through timely intelligence sharing.
Speaking on behalf of the governor, Obono said, “Even though Cross River State has not witnessed terrorism, we don’t need to wait until it happens. We must unite and support the security agencies to do their job.”
He explained that sustainable security can only be achieved when citizens actively participate by providing useful information to law enforcement agencies.
Obono further stated, “Security agencies are not spirits. They rely on you for information. So I want to urge you all to play your part. If you see something, say something.”
He said the road walk would help spread the security message across communities while strengthening public confidence in existing security structures.
According to him, the forthcoming summit will bring together stakeholders to deliberate on practical solutions for preserving peace and preventing insecurity.
A representative of the Department of State Services, Kenny Wariboko, said terrorism remains a collective challenge because perpetrators often reside within the communities they target.
He stressed that security agencies require the support of residents and assured the public of the service’s readiness to confront emerging threats.
The Acting Commissioner of Police, Effanga Etim, expressed the command’s support for the campaign, saying meaningful development cannot be achieved in an atmosphere of insecurity.
Chairperson of the Central Planning Committee, Beatrice Akpala, observed that no community can attain sustainable development where insecurity persists.
She added that the Cross River State Government is committed to ensuring that residents enjoy an atmosphere where they can live peacefully, engage in agriculture and carry out legitimate businesses without fear.
