Governor Ayade reacts towards the attack on motorists.

Emmanuel Alfred

Cross River State Governor, His Excellency, Sen Prof Ben Ayade has condemned in the strongest terms, the attack and kidnapping of some motorists and commuters along the Akamkpa-Ugep axis of the Calabar Ikom highway yesterday, Tuesday, November 15, 2022.

In a release, he stated, “While we appreciate the commendable success so far recorded in the rescue operation which is still ongoing, such acts of criminality can not and will not be allowed to take root in our State, as we are determined to ensure that the incident is the last on our soil

“Our heart goes out to the victims and their families of this heinous crime which has violated to the innocence of our State.

“I Appeal for calm, support and cooperation of our people as security men comb through every nook and cranny of the Uyanga forest.

“We are a peace-loving people and as such will not allow criminality of any hue, to find the fertile ground anywhere in our state.
“We have made a request to the Federal Government to draft more troops to the Uyanga forest as well as the deployment of a Tucano aircraft.

“Additionally, we have activated the Homeland Security outfits and have engaged local hunters to assist in a private para-military capacity.”

As at the time of the report, 8 of the 9  kidnaped victims have been rescued by the men of the Nigeria Police Force