AYADE TO CRIMINALS: We Know Where You Are, We Are Aoming After You

 In what could be described as a riot act, Cross River State
governor, Senator Ben Ayade, has warned criminals in the state to look elsewhere for their nefarious activities as they will soon be flushed out of their various hideouts.


Addressing newsmen yesterday, at the Peace Park, Calabar,
shortly after five hours security council meeting, the governor,
accompanied by service commanders in the state as well as, the State Security Adviser to the Governor, unveiled a new security agenda aimed at containing the emerging threats to the prevailing peace and security of the state.

Warning criminal elements believed to have infiltrated Cross
River from neighbouring states that their time was up, Governor Ayade thundered: "We have identified the homes of the kingpins, we have the coordinates of their armoury, we have a clear picture of their modus operandi and we are working on a massive attack, we are coming after them."

According to him, "we have understood the basis of this
crime, we have names, security reports of specific people, their agents, and their modus operandi have been well analysed by security commanders and we are confident that the action you will see in a matter of days to come, will be different."

 Vowing not to allow anti-social elements steal some of the
unique elements which make Calabar and indeed Cross River
standout among other states, Ayade said: "Cross River is known as the home state of tourism, Calabar is known as the destination for African hospitality, anything that will impinge on the integrity, knowledge, wealth and values of the state must be resisted by Cross Riverians and Nigerians. "

Decked in army green combant trousers, the governor
disclosed that a total of 47 criminals have been arrested in the
wake of the recent security threats in the state capital, pointing
out that "none of those arrested are Cross Riverians and that
clearly underscores the fact that the culture, integrity, character
and honour of the people of the state have not changed."

On cultism which the governor said was beginning to
resurface, he warned: "We as an administration are going to take deliberate steps to ensure that any person who is in any cult and is in government is thrown out."

Piqued by intractable communal clashes in the state, resulting
in the wanton destruction of lives and property, Governor Ayade ordered the immediate withdrawal of certificates of recognition of traditional rulers in the affected communities.

 He explained that as part of the new strategy, his
administration has decided to increase the budgetary provision for security, adding, "we will provide additional 30 vehicles to cover Calabar city centre, increase the fire power of "Operation Skolombo," expand our security network and introduce Cross River State Homeland Security Service that will provide intelligence report to Operation Skolombo and other security agencies in the state."

While assuring the citizenry of their safety, Ayade urged them
not to hesitate in calling the emergency numbers so provided.

He further hinted that the state and indeed, Calabar, will be
divided into 18 cells, even as" nine entry and nine exit points have also been identified."

The governor who said his team was aware of all militants
parading and taking full occupation of Bakassi, lamented that "the people of Bakassi have been in pains as their land and oil wells were taken away, while still being reduced in spirit, psychology and economy" adding "we can't afford to create a perilous nightmare for the same people."

While expressing confidence in the Federal government,
Ayade, however, appealed to the President to extend "Operation Delta Safe" to Cross River state in order not to isolate the state inthe battle to keep the Niger Delta region safe.


Photo caption: Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayadeflanked by Service Commanders, addressing the press shortly after the State Security Council meeting yesterday