The Cross River State Homeland Safety and Security Agency has staged a colourful Peace Walk aimed at consolidating the prevailing peace and strengthening security across the state.
The event, held last Wednesday and tagged “Cross River State Peace Walk… for Lasting Peace and Security,” brought together security agencies, youth groups, community stakeholders and residents, all united in celebrating the state’s growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful destinations.
Speaking at the event, the Convener and Director (South) of the Homeland Safety and Security Agency, Chief Michael Orok Nsan, described the Peace Walk as a strategic sensitisation programme conceived to be sustained periodically, in appreciation of the security architecture put in place by Governor Senator Bassey Otu.
“First and foremost, His Excellency, Senator Bassey Otu, is the brain behind this Peace Walk,” Chief Nsan said. “It is a way of celebrating and appreciating what the Governor has put in place: the strategies, the security architecture, and everything that has taken shape to ensure that our state remains safe and peaceful.”
He noted that Cross River has witnessed a remarkable turnaround in security, with incidents of insecurity and other social vices drastically reduced, restoring public confidence and opening the state to investors.
“Gone are the days when you hear about kidnapping, cultism and other crimes we are all against. Cross River State remains one of the most peaceful states in the country, and investors are most welcome,” he added.
Chief Nsan explained that the Peace Walk also served as a platform to sensitise communities on collective responsibility in security, stressing that peace is best sustained when everyone, down to the grassroots, is actively involved.
A major highlight of the initiative, he disclosed, is the Peace Accord, an agreement voluntarily signed by families, youth groups and former crime actors who have renounced violence and criminality. According to him, the accord commits signatories to shun internal and external conflicts, desist from kidnapping, cult activities and violent struggles over revenue points, while embracing lawful livelihoods.
“This peace accord is like a contract they have signed with themselves and with the government,” Chief Nsan explained. “It shows their commitment to lasting peace. Government, instead of discarding them, has introduced rehabilitation and training programmes, especially in agricultural value chains and other skills, to reintegrate them into society.”
He added that a joint intelligence committee and a comprehensive database are being developed to strengthen collaboration, intelligence gathering and early response, describing the initiative as “a beautiful network of possibilities” for sustainable security.
Adding his voice, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Forensic and Intelligence, Dr. Koko Henshaw, said the prevailing peace across the state is a direct result of Governor Otu’s decisive leadership and intelligence-driven security approach.
According to him, since the inauguration of the current administration, Cross River State has not recorded cult wars or widespread insecurity, while kidnapping, previously a major concern, has been effectively curtailed.
“Since this administration came on board, it is no longer business as usual for criminal elements. Cult wars have disappeared, kidnapping has been brought under control, and Cross River State has become a reference point for peace and security,” Henshaw stated.
He stressed that the government’s strategy goes beyond force, focusing on intelligence gathering, community engagement and the reintegration of repentant youths into productive ventures.
Also speaking, the Director of Homeland Security (Central), Mr. Felix William Arikpo, commended Governor Otu for establishing the Homeland Safety and Security framework, noting that proactive engagement, dialogue and intelligence-led operations have significantly reduced communal and cult-related clashes, particularly in Calabar and other flashpoints.
“The Peace Walk is about enlightenment and reassurance,” Arikpo said. “This administration has zero tolerance for violence, and we are working tirelessly to completely eradicate cultism and communal crises across the state.”
The Peace Walk began from the popular 11/11 Roundabout, through major streets of the capital city.
Kingsley Agim
