No More Fear! Governor Otu’s Bold Steps to End Kidnapping and Crime
Governor Bassey Otu has demonstrated that security can be effectively maintained without excessive militarization.
His administration’s proactive approach has restored safety and stability in Cross River State, proving that a well-structured security strategy is more impactful than brute force.
Following the federal government’s crackdown on various oil militias through amnesty programs and security operations, splinter groups emerged, causing widespread unrest.
The situation was worsened by the spillover effects of the Ambazonian conflict, which fueled criminal activities across border areas. Kidnappings became rampant, turning once thriving communities into danger zones.
Travel routes like Biase/Akamkpa road and Obubra/Ikom/Ogoja road were plagued with frequent abductions. Even Calabar, the state capital, was not spared. Criminals operated with impunity, and fear gripped both the coastal and upland regions.
The situation became so dire that even ordinary citizens were targeted, one particularly shocking case involved an indomie seller kidnapped for a mere ₦30,000 ransom around Ekpo Abasi axist of Calabar South.
This level of insecurity eroded public confidence and severely crippled economic activities. Areas like Obudu and Ogoja, which had never experienced such threats, became targets, while Akpabuyo and Bakassi were almost completely abandoned by middle class residents as it was becoming nearly impossible to govern those areas.
The state’s reputation suffered, and its economic growth stagnated. Upon assuming office on May 29, 2023, Governor Otu wasted no time in addressing the crisis.
In his inaugural speech, he offered an amnesty window to all criminal elements, urging them to either embrace peace or leave the state. The next day, he convened an emergency security council meeting with all security chiefs in the state, signaling the beginning of an aggressive security overhaul.
His approach was twofold; First, rehabilitation and reintegration. Repentant criminals were offered structured rehabilitation programs, allowing them to reintegrate into society productively And zero tolerance for crime.
Unrepentant offenders faced a firm and decisive crackdown, forcing many to either flee the state or face justice. This success came at a cost, with his proactive security advisers, security personnel working tirelessly, sometimes at great personal risk, to restore order.
But the results have been groundbreaking. Just one year later, the state has experienced an unprecedented level of peace. Bakassi and Akpabuyo, once feared for violent crime, have been restored to peaceful communities.
The Calabar/Ikom highway, once a death trap, is now safe for travelers. Waterways, previously plagued by piracy and kidnappings, are now safer, leading to an economic boom in water transport. Businesses like Abito Ferry and Sea Ferry have capitalized on this newfound security, offering luxurious travel experiences across the state’s waterways.
Even formerly notorious coastal areas such as Lemna, Marina, Jebbs, Anantigha, Esuk Utan, and Satellite Town, have transformed into attractive residential neighborhoods, thanks to their serene environment and improved safety.
Barely a year into Governor Otu’s tenure, Cross River has undergone a phenomenal security transformation. If such progress can be achieved within a year, imagine the possibilities in four or even eight years under his leadership.
The state is now safer, more attractive for investment, and poised for unprecedented growth. Just imagine what the next few years will bring.
Andrea Ekeng Inyang
Special Assitant, New Media