Journalists decry high crime rate in Cross River

Media practitioners under the aegis of Cross River State Journalists Forum (CROSSJOF) have raised the alarm over the increasing deterioration of security in the state, especially in Calabar, the state capital.
The journalists in a communiqué after their monthly congress in Abuja on Saturday, called on the Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, to rise to the occasion by addressing the rampant cases of crime and criminality in the state.
They expressed the fear that “if the situation is left unchecked ahead of the 2019 elections,” it would mar political activities as well as continue to scare away investors.
“The level of criminality, cult activities across the state especially in Calabar calls for serious concern.
We call on Governor Ben Ayade to live by his constitutional mandate of securing the lives and welfare of the people by reining in the criminals, cultists and their sponsors,” the communiqué read in part.
According to the communiqué signed by Chairman, CROSSJOF Comrade Gabriel Odu, and Secretary, CROSSJOF, Comrade David Odama, “Cross River state is known as the Peoples Paradise but unfortunately it is gradually becoming a den of cultists, robbers and all sorts of criminal elements, and this should not be allowed to persist.” “It is instructive to let the governor know that all his industrial efforts will amount to waste if the issue of security is not properly addressed as investors look for secure environment.” The Forum stressed that the “level of brigandage in places like Boki, Obudu, Obanliku, Calabar South and some other areas was being fuelled by unscrupulous politicians,” charging the security agencies to arrest the ugly development.
CROSSJOF also appealed to parents to caution their wards against cult activities, noting that they will die needlessly if they allow themselves to be used for political thuggery