Cross River State Governor Professor Ben Ayade has condemned in strong term, the attack and kidnapping of some motorists and commuters along the Akamkpa-Ugep axis of the Calabar- tkom Highway yesterday, Tuesday, November 15, 2022.
The Governor in a statement, he personally signed, appreciated the commendable success recorded thus far in the rescue operation which saw all the kidnapped victims regain their freedom,describing such acts as criminality that cannot and will not be allowed to take root in the state.
Ayade sympathises with the affected victims and their families of the heinous crime which he said has violated the innocence of Cross River state.
He appealed for calm, support and cooperation of the people as security men comb through every nook and cranny of the Uyanga forest.
“We are a peace-loving people and as such will not allow criminality of any kind, to find a fertile ground anywhere in our state.
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“We have made a request to the Federal Government to draft more troops to the Uyanga forest as well as the deployment of a Tucano aircraft.
“Additionally, we have activated the Homeland Security outfit and have engaged local hunters to assist in a private para-military capacity.
“The state will also purchase more gunboats and patrol vehicles to protect our waterways and our highways just as we have activated the automatic security system on the entrance into Calabar.
“We once again appeal for calm as we take the battle to the bandits” the statement added.
Editor: Ena Agbanoma