Cross River Pledges Support for Armed Forces, Fallen Heroes

Cross River State government has reaffirmed its commitment to the Nigerian Armed Forces and the families of soldiers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Governor Bassey Otu stated that one of the policy thrusts of his administration is to support the armed forces and the fallen heroes.

Speaking yesterday at an interdenominational service at Christ The King Chaplaincy, 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Calabar, Cross River State, Otu, represented by the speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem said that the bravery of both fallen and serving personnel must never be forgotten.

The governor praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for upholding his constitutional duty to protect life and property, urging all Nigerians not to lose faith in the country.

“Our Armed Forces have faced difficult moments before and have prevailed.

With God on our side, we will win,” he said, highlighting the state’s transformation from a hotspot of insecurity to one of the safest in the country, a feat he attributed to close collaboration with the military, police and other security agencies.

He assured security personnel of continued welfare improvements, including upgrades to barracks and other facilities, and offered prayers and comfort to widows, children and families of the fallen, declaring that “God Himself remains the greatest comforter.”

Brigadier General Patrick Alimikhena, Commander of the 13 Brigade, read a message from the Chief of Defence Staff, paying tribute to the fallen soldiers and quoting John 15:13:

“No greater love is there than to lay down one’s life for others.” The message also extended prayers for serving troops and their families.

In a homily, Acting Assistant Director of Chaplain Services (Protestant) 13 Brigade, Captain D.L. Wala, likened Nigeria’s security challenges to Goliath and the Armed Forces to David, urging the nation to remain united and put God first.

The service concluded with prayers for the Armed Forces, national leaders and lasting peace as Cross River officially launched the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Week.

Those in attendance included Chief Judge of Cross River State, Justice Akon Ikpeme, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, Chief of Staff Chief Emmanuel Ironbar, Commissioner for Information Dr Erasmus Ekpang and Special Adviser to the Governor Chief Ekpenyong Akiba, among other dignitaries.