By Frank Ulom
The Cross River State Police Command has directed a heighten intelligence gathering and security assessment around Ekorinim 1, Calabar, the state capital.
The directive followed an alarmed raised by the 2027 ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday, over alleged insecurity around Governor Bassey Otu’s private residence in the area.
The former vice president, in a social media (X, Facebook) post on November 3, alleged that Governor Otu’s neighbours are complaining of burglaries and robberies, claiming it is an All Progressives Congress (APC) style of leadership.
“In Calabar, the neighbours of Cross River’s APC governor say robbers are breaking into their homes in the same estate where armed police and two roadblocks guard the governor’s private residence. One resident lost his air conditioner and freezer. Another says robbers attacked two houses on a nearby street only last week.
“This is security, APC style: two roadblocks for the governor, and none for the people next door. For nearly three years, the governor has run the state from his private house while Government House is renovated; yet the people living beside him cannot sleep without fear. If the APC cannot secure the street beside the governor, what does it offer the villages beyond the capital?” Atiku queried.
He stated that he will transformed the police once elected as president. “I will transform the police from a regime-protecting force into a citizen-focused public service, and I will expand the force towards the international standard of one officer for every four hundred and fifty citizens, so that protection reaches every street, not only the powerful. I will also build community-based security and intelligence networks, so that neighbourhoods can raise the alarm before the thieves arrive.
“Security that stops at the governor’s gate is not security; it is a fence,” the post added.
In Calabar, the neighbours of Cross River's APC governor say robbers are breaking into their homes in the same estate where armed police and two roadblocks guard the governor's private residence. One resident lost his air conditioner and freezer. Another says robbers attacked two… pic.twitter.com/oehHtx8PvK
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) November 3, 2026
Responding to the alarm, the Cross River State Police Command, in a statement issued by ASP Sunday Eitokpah, Public Relations Officer, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, on Tuesday, said it has ordered a comprehensive assessment of the security situation in the area to verify the claims and identify any emerging security concerns requiring intervention.
The statement also claimed that Division Police Officer (DPO) in the area reported no recent formal complaints by residents.
“The Cross River State Police Command has taken note of reports circulating in the media concerning alleged recurring burglary incidents in Ekorinim 1 Housing Estate, Calabar.
“Preliminary checks with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) State housing Division, responsible for the area indicate that no recent formal reports of such incidents have been received at the station. However, the Command does not discount the concerns raised by residents and recognises the importance of promptly addressing all security-related complaints.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, psc, mnips, mspsp, has directed heightened intelligence gathering, increased security monitoring and a comprehensive assessment of the security situation in the area to verify the claims and identify any emerging security concerns requiring intervention.
“The Commissioner of Police reiterates that the safety and security of every resident remain a priority, irrespective of status, location or proximity to any public office holder. Residents who may have experienced such incidents or possess credible information are encouraged to report to the nearest Police station or contact the Command Control Room through the following numbers: 0704 177 7060 or 0705 335 5415. The Command assures members of the public that all credible reports will receive appropriate attention.
“The Command remains committed to intelligence-led policing, effective community engagement and proactive security measures across Cross River State. Residents are encouraged to sustain cooperation with the Police by promptly reporting suspicious movements and criminal activities to facilitate timely intervention,” the statement read.
Daily Lamp reports that Atiku was responding to a report by Daily Post on Sunday, which says residents of Ekorinim 1 Housing Estate in Calabar, Cross River State, have raised concerns over recurring robbery incidents in their neighbourhood, despite the heavy presence of armed policemen around Governor Otu’s private residence which is located in the area.
According to the report, one of the residents, Madam Winifred Omini, said robbers attacked two houses in a nearby street last week.
“Last week, robbers attacked two houses behind this street and stole valuables. They constantly break into houses in this neighbourhood.
“People assume that because the governor lives here and there are many policemen around, security problems should not occur. But that is not the situation. Security is 75 per cent,” she told the medium, adding that youths in the area were often suspected of involvement in the attacks.
