Gov Otu Launches ‘Unite Against Terror’ Campaign In C/River

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has launched a statewide “Unite Against Terror” campaign as a decisive response to rising insecurity, kidnapping and other security threats across the state.

The governor launched the campaign in Calabar during the inauguration of the Central Planning Committee for the 2026 Cross River State Security Summit at the DSS Conference Hall.

He said the campaign is designed to mobilise citizens and security agencies against terrorism, kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes threatening the state’s stability.

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Content Development and Archiving, Beatrice Akpala, Otu described security as “the bedrock of development.”

The state chief executive averred that “security is the foundation upon which development, investment, education, tourism, commerce and peaceful coexistence are built,” adding that no society thrives where insecurity persists.

Otu charged the committee to go beyond organising the summit and drive a grassroots movement for security awareness, intelligence sharing and community vigilance.

He urged the committee members to execute the assignment with “dedication, professionalism, creativity and integrity.”

Otu’s aide stated that the campaign would be rolled out across the 18 local government areas ahead of the planned security summit, which has been scheduled for the end of July, to make the state uncomfortable for criminals and safe for investors.

State Director of the DSS, Oluwole Faluyi, who hosted the inauguration, said the “Unite Against Terror” campaign is a strategic effort to strengthen collaboration between government, security agencies and citizens.

“Security is a collaborative responsibility. It is not a one-man show; it is everybody’s business. Success depends on strong partnerships and the active involvement of all stakeholders,” he said.

The 2026 Security Summit is scheduled for July 30, 2026, in Calabar and will bring together security chiefs, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society and the private sector.