Residents of Imoh Street beside Afokang Road in Calabar were reportedly attacked by robbers with dangerous weapons on Thursday night, injuring a few.
This was a few hours after Governor Bassey Otu had warned armed robbers and other criminals in Calabar and other parts of the state that he was ready for them with the launch of a security outfit called, Operation Okwok.
The governor had even donated 30 vehicles to strengthen security activities in the state.
One of the victims of the house-to-house robbery is a HND student of the College of Health Technology, Calabar, studying environmental health sciences, Miss Alice Dickson.
Alice narrated, “They arrived in the night, well armed. They used heavy irons to hit our doors and pushed the front door down.
“They used torchlights. They manhandled me and my sisters. They collected the money I withdrew earlier in the day to pay my school fees. They collected our phones and other valuables.
“They also burgled my neighbours’ rooms. They entered other apartments before they left. There was no help from the police. I am very scared to sleep in the house because they could come back.”
Launching the Operation Okwok security outfit, Gov. Otu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to security in the State.
The outfit is to replace Operation Apakwu, which his predecessor, Prof. Ben Ayade, instituted.
A statement by Mr. Gill Nsa, Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Otu, said, “This marks the first phase of a larger plan to deploy a total of 100 vehicles to enhance security operations across the state.
“The joint task force comprises personnel from the Nigerian Army, Police, Air Force, Navy, Department of State Services, DSS, Immigration Service, and Correctional Service.”
The statement said Governor Otu emphasized his administration’s zero tolerance for crime.
According to Otu, Cross River State is safer than ever.
“Cases of kidnapping have declined significantly, and robbery is nearly nonexistent.
“These achievements are due to the dedication of our security forces.
“Anyone who threatens the peace of the state will face the full weight of the law,” he warned.
The State Security Adviser, Major General Okoi Ubi Obono (Rtd), in his remarks, described the initiative as a milestone in the state’s fight against crime.
He explained the significance of the new name, Operation Okwok, an Efik word for “bee.”
“Don’t let the sweetness of the bees fool you. Bees are highly territorial and fiercely protect their hive.
“Just like that, Operation Okwok is here to secure Cross River—producing honey when needed but stinging when provoked,” he said.
Commissioner of Police, CP Gyogon Augustine Grimah, commended Governor Otu’s unwavering support for security agencies, calling the donation a “festival of vehicles.”
He noted that several security formations had received operational vehicles in recent weeks, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to safety.
Written By Asare Asare