Gov Otu demands action against insecurity at meeting with Cross River LG chairmen

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has reaffirmed that security remains the top priority of his administration, warning that the growing threats across several local government areas require urgent and coordinated action.

Meeting with all 18 local government council chairmen in Calabar on Wednesday, the governor placed insecurity at the centre of discussions, stressing that recent developments pose serious risks to public safety and social stability.

Cases of cult clashes, kidnappings, armed robbery and illegal mining have been on the rise in the state in recent times.

Security concerns have escalated in parts of the state.

In Yakurr LGA, deadly clashes between rival cult groups over the past three months have claimed lives and drawn national attention. Yakurr, along with Akamkpa and Biase LGAs has also witnessed a surge in illegal miners operating in large numbers, a development officials say has heightened tension and further complicated security management.

Addressing the chairmen at the State Executive Council Chamber, Governor Otu was unequivocal about the urgency of the situation.

“The number one item on the agenda of this meeting 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, not just in city centres but in all wards across the state.”

He added that the meeting would remain strictly focused on security, end-of-year community support, and a critical self-assessment of the administration’s alignment with its People-First philosophy.

Following the closed-door session, Yakurr LGA Chairman and Chairman of the Forum of Local Government Chairmen, Yibala Inyang, described Governor Otu as a “concerned and caring leader” who consistently engages local council authorities in tackling the state’s toughest challenges.

“The meeting centred on the welfare and security of our people,” Inyang said. “Cross River State is determined to decisively address the pockets of security threats still lingering. We identified key measures that must be put in place to ensure that the state remains secure and that citizens continue to live in peace.”

Although he declined to reveal specific strategies for operational reasons, Inyang assured that the security measures agreed upon would be deployed without delay.

He added that improving citizen welfare was a key element of tackling insecurity, saying: “For security to be effectively addressed, people must be happy. We discussed ways to ensure that residents begin to feel direct government support. Livelihoods will be improved, and we will make life better for our people.”