"We Won't Wait for Terrorists Before Acting" – Otu Launches Statewide Security Campaign

The Cross River State Government has started a major campaign to educate people on security and encourage residents to help security agencies by reporting suspicious movements before crimes happen. The campaign was flagged off in Calabar by Governor Bassey Otu through his Special Adviser on Security, retired Major General Okoi Obono. 

Speaking during the roadshow, the governor said Cross River has remained one of the peaceful states in Nigeria, but the government does not want to wait until terrorists or other dangerous criminals begin to attack before taking action.

According to him, security is not only the responsibility of the police, soldiers, DSS or other security agencies. He said every resident has an important role to play by reporting suspicious people, strange movements and criminal activities in their communities.

He reminded residents that security officers cannot be everywhere at the same time and depend on useful information from the public to stop crimes before they happen.

The awareness campaign is part of activities leading to the Cross River Security Summit, which is expected to bring together government officials, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, women organisations, civil society groups and other stakeholders. The summit will discuss practical ways to improve security and keep the state peaceful. 

Also speaking during the event, a representative of the Department of State Services (DSS), Kenny Wariboko, said criminals often live among ordinary people, making it impossible for security agencies to succeed without the cooperation of residents. He appealed to everyone to support security agencies with timely and accurate information.

The Acting Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, Effanga Etim, also threw his weight behind the campaign. He said there can never be meaningful development without peace and security, adding that investors will only come to places where lives and property are protected. 

Chairperson of the Security Summit Planning Committee, Beatrice Akpala, said communities cannot grow where people live in fear. She explained that Governor Otu's administration wants every resident to move freely, farm peacefully and run businesses without being threatened by criminals.

The roadshow moved through major streets in Calabar with security officials, government representatives and volunteers carrying messages urging residents to "see something, say something" whenever they notice suspicious activities.

The state government believes that preventing crime through public awareness and intelligence sharing is better than waiting for attacks before responding. Officials expressed hope that the campaign and the upcoming summit will strengthen cooperation between the people and security agencies and help preserve the peace Cross River currently enjoys.

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