The Cross River State Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has called on traditional rulers, youths, traders, transport operators and other community stakeholders in Ogoja and Ikom to join hands with the police to tackle crime and maintain peace.
The police chief made the call during his familiarisation tour of the Ogoja and Ikom Area Commands on October 15 and 16, 2026, respectively, where he met with community leaders and representatives of different groups to discuss security challenges and ways to strengthen cooperation between residents and the police.
During his visit to Ogoja, Ordue engaged traditional rulers, civil society organisations, youth groups, market unions, drivers' associations, the Police Community Relations Committee and representatives of the Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba communities.
He urged the stakeholders to build trust with the police, share useful security information and report suspicious activities before they develop into serious security threats.
At Ikom, the commissioner repeated the call, urging residents, traders, transport operators and community leaders to work closely with security agencies to protect lives and property.
He stressed that security should not be left to the police alone, noting that residents have an important role to play in identifying criminal activities and helping law enforcement officers prevent crime.
The commissioner also condemned jungle justice, warning residents against beating, torturing or killing people suspected of committing crimes.
According to him, no allegation of wrongdoing gives anyone the right to take the law into their hands, as suspects must be handed over to the police for proper investigation and prosecution where necessary.
He reminded residents that an allegation does not amount to a conviction and that every suspect is entitled to due process under the law.
Ordue called on traditional rulers and community leaders to discourage mob action and promote lawful ways of resolving disputes and handling suspected criminal cases.
The police chief also raised concerns over electoral violence, cultism and drug abuse among young people, calling for collective efforts to prevent these problems from threatening peace and security in the state.
He urged politicians and their supporters to pursue their political interests peacefully, warning against violence, intimidation and the destruction of property.
With political activities expected to increase ahead of future elections, he emphasised the need for political actors and their supporters to respect the law and avoid actions capable of creating tension in their communities.
On youth-related crime, the commissioner encouraged young people to stay away from cult groups and drug abuse. He also called on parents, community leaders and youth organisations to educate young people and intervene early when they notice harmful behaviour.
Ordue reaffirmed the command's commitment to community-oriented policing and urged residents to report criminal activities through appropriate channels while cooperating with law enforcement agencies.
The development comes as the police command seeks stronger community involvement in crime prevention across Cross River State.
The command's Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, disclosed the commissioner's engagements in a press release dated October 19, 2026.
The police reiterated that cooperation between security agencies and the public remains important in preventing crime, protecting lives and sustaining peace across the state.
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