In a shocking turn of events, armed robbers stormed Imoh Street by Afokang Road in Calabar late Thursday night, leaving several residents wounded in a brazen house-to-house robbery spree.
This attack comes just hours after Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu had issued a stern warning to criminals, including armed robbers, announcing the launch of a new security initiative, Operation Okwok.
The governor, who also donated 30 vehicles to bolster the state’s security efforts, had expressed his readiness to tackle crime head-on.
Among the victims was Miss Alice Dickson, an HND student at the College of Health Technology, Calabar, who is studying Environmental Health Sciences.
She was caught up in the attack, highlighting the growing concern for safety in the region, despite the governor’s recent security measures.
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.”
During the launch of the ‘Operation Okwok’ security outfit, Governor Otu reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to enhancing security across the state. The new initiative is set to replace the ‘Operation Apakwu’ program established by his predecessor, Prof. Ben Ayade.
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.
“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.
In his address, the State Security Adviser, Major General Okoi Ubi Obono (Rtd), hailed the initiative as a significant milestone in the state’s battle against crime.
He also highlighted the importance of the name ‘Operation Okwok’, explaining that “Okwok” is an Efik term meaning “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.”
