Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has issued a forceful warning to politicians, their sponsors and all individuals who may be contemplating the use of arms to advance political interests, declaring that his administration will not permit the state to be converted into a theatre of violence, bloodshed, intimidation or electoral disruption.
The Government also commended the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies for intercepting a cache of high-calibre weapons, including three General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and seven AK-47 assault rifles.
The Governor’s warning follows the interception of a cache of sophisticated weapons along the Bekwarra–Ogoja axis by security operatives, in an operation that has heightened concerns over the possible movement of illegal arms into the state ahead of critical political activities. Four suspects were reportedly trailed from northern Nigeria through Benue State into Cross River, with two arrested, while two others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.
Reacting to the development, Governor Otu, through his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dr Peter Odey, declared that the government would confront decisively any attempt to threaten the peace, security and democratic stability of Cross River, stressing that political ambition must never become an excuse for endangering innocent lives.
“The peace of Cross River State is non-negotiable. No political ambition, personal interest or desperation for power is worth the life of any citizen. We will not allow anyone, regardless of status, political affiliation or connections, to import violence into our state or turn our communities into killing fields,” the Governor warned.
Speaking during the parade of suspects and display of the recovered weapons, Odey said preliminary investigations suggested that the movement of the arms might be connected to the prevailing political atmosphere, adding that the circumstances surrounding their transportation into the state demanded thorough investigation and an uncompromising law-enforcement response.
He stressed that the government would not treat the discovery as an isolated security incident but as a matter requiring the fullest attention of the relevant security agencies, particularly given the potentially devastating consequences of allowing illegal weapons to circulate unchecked.
“The discovery of these weapons is a serious security concern. Arms of this nature, if placed in the wrong hands, could be used to intimidate political opponents, terrorise communities, disrupt lawful political activities and inflict irreversible harm on innocent citizens. We will not sit idly by while anyone attempts to undermine the safety of our people,” Odey stated.
The Deputy Governor emphasised that Cross River had no place for the politics of violence, intimidation or bloodshed, insisting that the state’s democratic space must remain open to peaceful competition, persuasion and the free expression of political choices.
According to him, the government would not permit individuals or groups to exploit the political season to create fear, destabilise communities or undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
“Politics must be a contest of ideas, character, vision and service, not a contest of weapons. Those who believe that they can gain political advantage through intimidation, criminality or the sponsorship of violence are gravely mistaken. The law will take its full course against anyone found culpable,” he said.
Odey disclosed that “the arrested suspects would be charged to court, while investigations were continuing to establish the origin of the weapons, trace the network responsible for their movement and identify their alleged sponsors and intended recipients.”
He maintained that the investigation would not stop at the apprehension of those found transporting the weapons, noting that identifying the individuals or networks behind the alleged operation was essential to preventing further security breaches.
“The people who physically move weapons are only one part of the investigation. We must establish where these arms came from, who arranged their transportation, who financed the operation and who was expected to receive them. Anyone found to have participated in this criminal enterprise will be brought before the law,” the Deputy Governor said.
He further warned that no individual would be allowed to hide behind political office, party membership, community influence or personal connections to escape accountability.
“Our position is clear: nobody is above the law. We will not shield anyone because of political affiliation, social standing or relationship with persons in authority. If investigations establish that anyone sponsored, procured, transported or intended to deploy these weapons for criminal purposes, such a person will face the consequences prescribed by law,” he declared.
The Deputy Governor also called on politicians and their supporters to exercise restraint, conduct their activities within the bounds of the law and reject any temptation to recruit, arm or mobilise individuals for violent purposes.
He urged political actors to recognise that the ultimate purpose of democratic competition was to secure a mandate for public service, not to intimidate opponents or expose citizens to danger.
“Every political actor has a responsibility to protect the peace of this state. We must not allow political differences to divide our communities or turn neighbours against one another. Whoever seeks public office must be prepared to earn the confidence of the people peacefully and democratically. There can be no justification for the use of illegal arms to pursue political objectives,” he added.
Odey assured residents that the Otu administration remained committed to protecting lives and property, maintaining public order and safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process. He called on members of the public to provide credible information to the appropriate security agencies whenever they observed suspicious movements or activities that could threaten public safety.
He also commended the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies for their vigilance, professionalism and swift response, which led to the interception of the weapons and the arrest of suspects.
“The security agencies deserve commendation for acting promptly to prevent a potentially dangerous situation from escalating. Their work underscores the importance of intelligence-led policing, inter-agency collaboration and the vigilance of citizens. We encourage them to sustain this effort and ensure that every link in this investigation is thoroughly examined,” he said.
