Ukorebi Esien | July 31, 2026
CALABAR — Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Professor Francisca Bassey, on Thursday commended Governor Bassey Otu and security agencies for restoring peace across Cross River State, saying the improved security architecture has transformed the university from a campus once plagued by cult violence and kidnappings into a safe environment for learning.
Speaking during an interview at the Cross River State Security Summit held at the Transcorp Hotels, Calabar, Prof. Bassey said the state's coordinated security operations have brought an end to the fear that once disrupted academic activities and threatened lives within the university community.
The summit, jointly organised by the Cross River State Government, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies, brought together government officials, security chiefs, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration against terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Recounting the dark days of insecurity, the Vice Chancellor said the university community lived under constant fear as kidnappings and cult-related violence became recurring incidents.
She recalled that one of her colleagues was held captive by kidnappers for one month, while another young man was killed after his family failed to raise the ransom demanded by his abductors.
She also referenced the disappearance of one of Nigeria's pioneering female neurosurgeons, whose whereabouts, she noted, remain unknown.
According to her, the situation was so severe that members of the university community imposed movement restrictions on themselves, especially at night, while academic activities were frequently threatened by violent clashes.
"We had a period when insecurity became our greatest concern. There were cult clashes, kidnappings and fear everywhere. Members of staff and students could not move freely because nobody knew what could happen," she said.
The Vice Chancellor, however, said the narrative has changed completely.
"Today, examinations are conducted in a peaceful atmosphere. Students study without fear, and members of staff can move around freely even late at night. That is a remarkable improvement from where we were."
Prof. Bassey attributed the transformation to what she described as Governor Otu's political will and the synergy among the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Police Force, the Armed Forces and other security agencies operating in the state.
"The peace we are enjoying today did not happen by accident. It is the product of deliberate leadership, effective coordination and the commitment of all the security agencies working together. I must commend His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu, and all the security agencies for making Cross River safer," she added.
Her remarks echoed the position of Governor Otu, who told participants at the summit that Cross River had emerged from what he described as a "dark chapter" of kidnapping, armed robbery and violent crimes through sustained investment in intelligence-driven security operations.
Represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, the governor said the state had successfully dismantled several criminal networks through the establishment of Operation Okwok and enhanced collaboration among the DSS, the Police, the Army, the Navy, the Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies.
According to the governor, the coordinated operations have led to the surrender and disarmament of hundreds of militants while restoring public confidence in the state's security architecture.
He maintained that security remains the foundation of his administration's People First Agenda, stressing that sustainable development, investment, tourism and quality education cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.
Also speaking at the summit, the Cross River State Director of the Department of State Services, Mr. Oluwole Faluyi, described security as a shared responsibility, urging residents to support security agencies with credible information and remain vigilant against criminal elements.
Faluyi said lasting peace can only be sustained through collaboration between government, security agencies and citizens.
Prof. Bassey also urged governments across the country battling insecurity to demonstrate political commitment by strengthening collaboration among security agencies and involving communities in intelligence gathering and crime prevention.
According to her, restoring peace requires more than security deployments, insisting that effective leadership, strategic coordination and active stakeholder participation remain the critical ingredients for defeating criminality.
She expressed optimism that if sustained, the collaborative security model being implemented in Cross River could serve as a template for other states seeking to restore peace and create an enabling environment for education, investment and economic growth.
0 comments: