“Even though Cross River State has not witnessed terrorism, we don’t need to wait until it happens”
By Frank Ulom
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Published on July 29, 2026
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3 min read
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, on Tuesday led a Security Awareness Walk in Calabar as part of activities marking the build-up to the state’s forthcoming Security Summit themed “Unite Against Terror.”
Represented by the State Security Adviser, Major General Okoi Obono (retd.), the governor flagged off the sensitisation campaign, describing it as a proactive effort to strengthen intelligence gathering, promote public vigilance and encourage collective responsibility for security across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the governor, Obono said although Cross River had not experienced terrorist attacks, the state must remain vigilant and prepared against emerging security threats.
“Even though Cross River State has not witnessed terrorism, we don’t need to wait until it happens,” he said. “We must unite and support the security agencies to do their job.”
He urged residents to work closely with security agencies by reporting suspicious persons and activities, stressing that effective policing depends on timely information from members of the public.
“Security agencies are not spirits. They rely on you for information. So I want to urge you all to play your part. If you see something, say something,” Obono added.
The awareness walk attracted the participation of key security stakeholders, who underscored the importance of community collaboration in preventing crime and maintaining peace.
A representative of the Department of State Services (DSS), Kenny Wariboko, noted that individuals involved in acts of terrorism often live within communities, making public cooperation essential in identifying and preventing security threats.
According to him, security agencies alone cannot effectively combat terrorism without the support and active participation of citizens.
Also speaking, the Acting Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, Effanga Etim, reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to the awareness campaign, emphasising that sustainable development can only thrive in a peaceful environment.
“There can be no development without peace,” Etim said.
Chairperson of the Central Planning Committee for the Security Summit, Beatrice Akpala, said the initiative reflects the Otu administration’s determination to safeguard lives and property while fostering an environment conducive to economic growth.
She noted that meaningful community development cannot take place in an atmosphere of insecurity, adding that the government remains committed to ensuring residents can “live, farm, and do business without any form of interference.”
The Security Awareness Walk forms part of a series of activities preceding the Cross River State Security Summit, which is expected to bring together government officials, security agencies, traditional rulers, civil society groups and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for preventing terrorism and strengthening public safety across the state.
