In a chilling turn of events, armed robbers wielding dangerous weapons descended on Imoh Street by Afokang Road in Calabar on Thursday night, leaving several residents injured.
Their reign of terror unfolded just hours after Governor Bassey Otu had issued a stern warning to criminals across the state, declaring that he was ready for them with the launch of a new security outfit, Operation Okwok.
The governor had earlier demonstrated his commitment to tackling crime by donating 30 security vehicles to reinforce security operations across Cross River State. Yet, despite these efforts, law-abiding citizens found themselves at the mercy of ruthless criminals.
One of the victims, Miss Alice Dickson, an HND student at the College of Health Technology, Calabar, narrated the harrowing experience of how the robbers stormed her home in the dead of night.
“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.”
Meanwhile, the launch of Operation Okwok signals a new era in Cross River’s security landscape. The outfit replaces Operation Apakwu, established by former Governor Prof Ben Ayade.
Governor Otu’s chief press secretary, Mr Gill Nsa, revealed that the initiative is just the beginning of a grand security plan, with a total of 100 vehicles set to be deployed 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.”
Governor Otu, while reaffirming his administration’s zero tolerance for crime, insisted that Cross River was now safer than ever.
“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.”
The State Security Adviser, Major General Okoi Ubi Obono (Rtd), described the initiative as a game-changer in the fight against crime. He elaborated on the significance of the name Operation Okwok, derived from the Efik word for bee.
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“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.”
Commissioner of Police, CP Gyogon Augustine Grimah, praised the governor’s unwavering commitment to security, calling the donation of security vehicles a “festival of vehicles.”
With the state’s security forces receiving reinforcements, residents can only hope that the sting of Operation Okwok will be swift enough to prevent another night of terror.