In a renewed effort to enhance peace and security across Calabar South, the Cross River State Government, through the Homeland Safety and Security Agency, has entered into a robust collaboration with the traditional rulers, clan heads, and youth leaders of the area to combat crime and strengthen community policing.
The partnership was officially launched at a reception for the Director General of the Homeland Safety and Security Agency, attended by the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, His Royal Majesty Etubom Effiom Nyong, along with all twenty clan leaders, 253 village chiefs, and numerous youth representatives from the local government area.
Speaking at the event, the Director- South of the Homeland Safety and Security Agency, Michael Orok Nsan said the collaboration marks a significant milestone in the state’s grassroots security architecture. He explained that the traditional institutions initiated the partnership to foster intelligence gathering, strengthen community vigilance, and ensure closer cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
“We are here to network, to collaborate with the community of Calabar South. The paramount ruler and all the clan heads invited Homeland for this collaboration,” he said.
“The entire communities have decided to work with our agency to ensure peace, security, and public enlightenment. Security is everybody’s business.”
He revealed that one hundred youths have so far been volunteered by the communities to serve as vigilantes across the wards and villages of Calabar South. While emphasizing that the engagement remains voluntary for now, he noted that the Homeland Agency will conduct due diligence and background checks to ensure credibility and integrity among the volunteers.
“They know their people, the good and the bad eggs, and that’s why they are taking responsibility. We’ll do our own screening, build a database, and when the government gives full approval, proper recruitment will follow,” he explained.
The Director-South reaffirmed the agency’s close working relationship with other security formations in the state, including the Nigerian Police Force, the Navy, and the judiciary, to ensure that arrests lead to speedy prosecution and justice.
He commended Governor Senator Bassey Otu for his visionary leadership in creating the Homeland Safety and Security Agency, noting that his administration has significantly reduced incidents of kidnapping, robbery, and communal clashes that once plagued Cross River State.
“Before this administration, we had high incidents of kidnapping and hooliganism. But today, the story is different. Investors now see Cross River as a secure destination, and Calabar has regained its place as the capital of tourism,” he said.
On emergency response, he disclosed that the agency has adopted a community-based communication system using walkie-talkies and WhatsApp networks across neighborhood security cells to ensure faster response to distress calls.
“We realized that conventional hotlines often fail due to network issues, so we adopted a faster system. Each community has security ‘bits’ connected through walkie-talkies and WhatsApp groups. When a message drops, nearby teams respond instantly,” he explained, adding that the system proved nearly 100 percent effective during the December festive period.
Also speaking, His Royal Highness, Muri Dr. Archibong Ika Archibong V, Muri of Iquo Nkot Lower in Efut Uwanse Clan, commended the state government for the initiative and pledged the full cooperation of traditional institutions in ensuring lasting peace and order.
“We have an existing vigilante group known as Uwana Utwenikan (VGN) that operates mainly at night to prevent burglary, robbery, and kidnapping. We have now decided to work with the Homeland Safety and Security Agency to strengthen this effort,” he stated.
He further disclosed that all 20 clans and 253 village heads in Calabar South have resolved to work closely with the agency and the state government to drastically reduce crime.
“We may not be able to eradicate crime completely, but during this regime, we shall reduce it to the barest minimum. Wherever there is security, there is hope and life,” he said.
Muri Archibong also used the occasion to express gratitude to Governor Bassey Otu for establishing and empowering the Homeland Safety and Security Agency, assuring the government of the communities’ unflinching support even beyond the current administration.
He warned criminal elements within and around Calabar South to desist from unlawful acts, stressing that traditional institutions are now fully mobilized and determined to partner with security agencies to flush out wrongdoers.
“This time around, when you are operating, we are also operating. Let’s see who will win. My advice to them is to stay clear — yesterday is not like today,” he declared.
Also speaking, the youth leader of Uwanse, Prince Charles Effiong Okon reiterated his commitment to the course of maintaining peace and described it as a landmark step toward community-driven security in Cross River State.
Comments
Post a Comment