Gov Otu inaugurates Security Summit C'ttee To Combat Kidnapping, Terorism

By NSAN NDOMA-NEJI, Calabar 

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has rallied a united action against kidnapping, terrorism and other emerging security threats and inaugurated a 50-man Central Planning Committee for the 2026 State Security Summit scheduled to take place by the end of July.

The inauguration of the security committee was done, on Friday, at the DSS Conference Hall, Calabar, in collaboration with the Department of State Services and other security agencies, a move that signals a strengthened partnership between the state government and security institutions.

Gov Otu who was being represented by the Special Adviser on Content Development and Archiving, Beatrice Akpala, stated that lasting peace can only be achieved through collective effort. 

 "Security is the foundation upon which development, investment, education, tourism, commerce and peaceful coexistence are built. "Without security, no society can truly prosper." He said.

While speaking on the theme of the summit, titled, "Unite Against Terror," the state chief executive officer averred that the theme is chosen to mobilize security agencies, traditional institutions, faith-based organisations and well meaningful individuals against terrorism, violent extremism, kidnapping, cultism, cybercrime and other criminal activities.

The Governor charged members of the Central Planning Committee to see their assignment as a call to service.

He urged the committee members to work assiduously with dedication, professionalism, creativity and integrity to build a statewide movement for security awareness, intelligence sharing and community vigilance.

Corroborating his position, the State Director of DSS, Cross River Command, Mr. Oluwole Faluyi, said the campaign is a strategic national awareness initiative.

 "Security is a collaborative responsibility. It is not a one-man show; it is everybody's business. 

"Success depends on strong partnerships, effective coordination and the active involvement of all stakeholders".He maintained.

The DSS state director stressed that there would be a roadshow scheduled for July 28, before the summit day which comes up for July 30, 2026, at the Pearl Ballroom, Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar.