Governor Bassey Otu (middle), the Zonal Coordinator of NCCSALW, Major General Ifiok Obot (4th from R) and others during the visit.
By Anietie Akpan
The Cross River state government has declared commitment to collaborate with the Federal Government in combating the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the state.
A statement on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nsa Gill said the partnership is crucial due to the state’s extensive borders, which present significant security challenges.
Speaking in his office during an audience with the management team of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), South -South zone, t, led Governor Bassey Otu emphasized the importance of addressing the issue of small arms proliferation through a combination of economic, social, and kinetic strategies.
He underscored the need for effective control of small arms and light weapons to ensure the safety and security of the state.
Taking concrete steps to support this initiative, Governor Otu instructed his Commissioner for Lands to allocate land for the construction of a permanent zonal office for the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons within a week.
Acknowledging Cross River’s designation as the safest state in the country, the Governor expressed the desire to further enhance security measures.
He demanded for improved collaboration and synergy between the National Centre and local security agencies to exchange ideas and improve societal safety.
While thanking the state government for being a good host to the Zonal centre, the Zonal Coordinator of NCCSALW, Major General Ifiok Obot (Rtd), highlighted the establishment of the National Centre in May 2021 through an Executive directive saying the delegation’s visit “signifies a significant step towards strengthening efforts to control the spread of small arms and light weapons”.