Otu Warns Politicians As Security Operatives Intercept Arms In Cross River

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has warned politicians and their sponsors against using arms to advance political interests following the interception of a cache of sophisticated weapons along the Bekwarra–Ogoja axis of the state.

The governor, through his deputy, Peter Odey, said his administration would not allow Cross River to become a theatre of violence, intimidation or electoral disruption.

The warning followed an operation in which security operatives intercepted the weapons after reportedly trailing four suspects from northern Nigeria through Benue State into Cross River. Two suspects were arrested, while the other two reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.

Speaking during the parade of the suspects and display of the recovered weapons, Odey said preliminary investigations suggested that the movement of the arms might be connected to the prevailing political atmosphere.

He said the circumstances surrounding their transportation into the state required thorough investigation, warning that the government would not treat the discovery as an isolated security incident.

“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,” Otu warned.

The deputy governor said the weapons could be used to intimidate political opponents, terrorise communities and disrupt lawful political activities if they fell into the wrong hands.

“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 as investigations continued to establish the origin of the weapons, trace those behind their movement and identify their alleged sponsors and intended recipients.

He said the investigation would extend beyond those caught transporting the weapons to anyone who may have arranged or financed the operation.

“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,” he said.

Odey also warned that no individual would be shielded from accountability because of political affiliation, social standing or connections.

He urged politicians and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and within the law, cautioning against recruiting, arming or mobilising individuals for violent purposes.

The deputy governor assured residents that the Otu administration remained committed to protecting lives and property, maintaining public order and safeguarding the electoral process. He urged members of the public to report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.

He commended the Department of State Services and other security agencies for their vigilance and role in intercepting the weapons and arresting the suspects.