Residents of Calabar are growing increasingly anxious as rising insecurity in Cross River State raises concerns about the fate of the much-anticipated annual Calabar Carnival scheduled for December 1.
The once-vibrant capital city is now grappling with frequent kidnappings, with fears that this year’s carnival festivities may be overshadowed by the prevailing crisis.
Expressing their apprehension, citizens are urging the government and security agencies to address the alarming situation promptly. The city has witnessed a surge in daily abductions, targeting professionals such as doctors, lawyers, professors, and government officials, according to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The gravity of the situation was underscored by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), which recently called off a 40-day strike in response to the kidnapping of Professor Ekanem Ephraim, a prominent neurologist held captive for a staggering 115 days since July.
Dr. Felix Archibong, the chairman of NMA, lamented that the state has become uninhabitable for its citizens due to the pervasive threat of kidnappers. He further emphasized that the crisis not only endangers the lives of residents but also poses significant risks for potential investors and tourists planning to attend the iconic Calabar Carnival.
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“This is the situation in the state, and it is regrettable that our colleague is still in captivity after 115 days.
“We are trying so hard not to make industrial action another alternative to getting the government and security agencies to keep to their promises,” he stated.
While Governor Bassey Otu has vehemently denounced kidnappings and offered rewards for information leading to arrests, local residents argue that mere condemnations fall short in effectively putting an end to the prevailing scourge.
“The technology can detect whereabouts of kidnappers. I had earlier granted the criminals amnesty. Only a handful came out to surrender their guns.
“I am not taking anything for granted. I have decided to go all out for them. If they won’t allow others to live in peace, they, too, won’t.
“They live amongst us. And so, the people must help to volunteer information about them,” the governor said.
The Commissioner of Police for the state, Gyogon Grimah, has reported the arrest of suspects; however, he emphasizes the need for additional measures to address insecurity before the upcoming December carnival.