C’River: DSS intercepts GPMGs, AK-47s, other weapons; arrests two

….as Gov Otu warns political sponsors of violence By Ike Uchechukwu The Department of State Services have intercepted a cache of sophisticated weapons, including General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and AK-47 rifles, along the Bekwarra–Ogoja axis of Cross River State, Following the interception, Governor Bassey Edet Otu has warned politicians and their sponsors that the state will not become a theatre of bloodshed.

Vanguard learned that four suspects were reportedly trailed from northern Nigeria through Benue State into Cross River. Two were arrested, while two others escaped with gunshot wounds. Governor Otu, speaking through his Deputy, Dr Peter Odey, said the government would confront decisively any threat to the peace, security and democratic stability of the state.

“The peace of Cross River State is non-negotiable. No political ambition, personal interest or desperation for power is worth the life of any citizen. “We will not allow anyone, regardless of status, political affiliation or connections, to import violence into our state or turn our communities into killing fields,” the Governor warned. At the parade of the suspects and display of the recovered weapons, Odey said preliminary investigations suggested the arms might be linked to the prevailing political atmosphere.

“The discovery of these weapons is a serious security concern. Arms of this nature, if placed in the wrong hands, could be used to intimidate political opponents, terrorise communities, disrupt lawful political activities and inflict irreversible harm on innocent citizens. We will not sit idly by while anyone attempts to undermine the safety of our people,” he stated.

He said the incident would not be treated as isolated, stressing that the democratic space must remain open to peaceful competition. “Politics must be a contest of ideas, character, vision and service, not a contest of weapons. “Those who believe that they can gain political advantage through intimidation, criminality or the sponsorship of violence are gravely mistaken.

The law will take its full course against anyone found culpable,” he said. Odey disclosed that the arrested suspects would be charged to court, while investigations were continuing to establish the origin of the weapons, trace the network responsible for their movement and identify their alleged sponsors and intended recipients.” “The people who physically move weapons are only one part of the investigation.

“We must establish where these arms came from, who arranged their transportation, who financed the operation and who was expected to receive them. Anyone found to have participated in this criminal enterprise will be brought before the law,” the Deputy Governor said. He warned that no one would be allowed to hide behind political office, party membership or community influence.

“Our position is clear: nobody is above the law. We will not shield anyone because of political affiliation, social standing or relationship with persons in authority. “If investigations establish that anyone sponsored, procured, transported or intended to deploy these weapons for criminal purposes, such a person will face the consequences prescribed by law,” he declared.

The Deputy Governor urged politicians and supporters to exercise restraint and reject any temptation to recruit, arm or mobilise individuals for violence. “Every political actor has a responsibility to protect the peace of this state. We must not allow political differences to divide our communities or turn neighbours against one another. Whoever seeks public office must be prepared to earn the confidence of the people peacefully and democratically.

There can be no justification for the use of illegal arms to pursue political objectives,” he added. Odey assured residents of the administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property and safeguarding the electoral process, and urged the public to report suspicious movements to security agencies. He commended the Department of State Services (DSS) and other agencies for their vigilance and swift response.

“The security agencies deserve commendation for acting promptly to prevent a potentially dangerous situation from escalating. “Their work underscores the importance of intelligence-led policing, inter-agency collaboration and the vigilance of citizens. “We encourage them to sustain this effort and ensure that every link in this investigation is thoroughly examined,” he said.