Armed robbers wielding dangerous weapons attacked residents of Imoh Street by Afokang Road in Calabar on Thursday night, leaving several wounded and many in fear.
The attack occurred just hours after Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, launched a new security outfit, Operation Okwok, aimed at curbing criminal activities across the state. As part of the launch, the governor donated 30 vehicles to bolster security operations.
One of the victims, Miss Alice Dickson, an HND student of Environmental Health Sciences at the College of Health Technology, Calabar, recounted her harrowing experience.
“They arrived in the night, well-armed. They used heavy irons to break down our doors, pushed the front door down, and shone torchlights in our faces. They manhandled me and my sisters, took the money I withdrew for my school fees, our phones, and other valuables,” Alice narrated.
“They also burgled my neighbors’ rooms and other apartments. There was no help from the police. I am very scared to sleep in the house because they could come back,” she added.
Earlier in the day, Governor Otu, while launching Operation Okwok, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making Cross River a safe haven. The new security outfit replaces Operation Apakwu, established by former Governor Ben Ayade.
A statement by Mr. Gill Nsa, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Otu, highlighted that the launch marks the first phase of a larger plan to deploy 100 vehicles for security operations across the state. The joint task force includes personnel from the Nigerian Army, Police, Air Force, Navy, Department of State Services (DSS), Immigration Service, and Correctional Service.
Governor Otu emphasized his administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards crime, noting that cases of kidnapping and robbery have significantly declined due to the efforts of 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), described Operation Okwok as a milestone in the state’s fight against crime. He explained that the Efik word Okwok, meaning “bee,” symbolizes the new outfit’s mission—producing honey when necessary but stinging when provoked.
Commissioner of Police, CP Gyogon Augustine Grimah, praised Governor Otu’s unwavering support for security agencies, calling the vehicle donation a “festival of vehicles” that reinforces the state’s commitment to safety.
Despite these efforts, Thursday night’s robbery has left residents shaken, highlighting the urgent need for swift and effective action from the newly launched Operation Okwok.
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