Cross River: Gov Otu’s Communities Call for Urgent Establishment of Police Stations

Residents of Akpab Okoyong, Okurikang, Creek Town, and other neighbouring settlements in Odukpani Local Government Area (LGA) of Cross River State — the home communities of Governor Bassey Otu — have raised fresh concerns over the absence of police posts or stations in their area.

Local stakeholders say the security vacuum has left them vulnerable to the activities of criminal gangs and other lawless groups, making life increasingly unsafe for residents and their properties.

The appeal was made on Wednesday morning during a community update programme on Sparkling FM, where several speakers lamented the escalating security threats due to the lack of police presence.

Apart from producing the current Governor, Creek Town is also the hometown of former Deputy Governor Efiok Cobham, and several other prominent figures who have held key national positions in Nigeria.

Speaking on the matter, a concerned community leader, Ekpenuong Akamba, said:

“I am from Okoyong. In the entire clan, including nearby communities such as Creek Town and Okurikang, there are no operational police stations. Back in the 1990s, we had police posts, but they were relocated and have never been returned.

“The local population is completely without police protection, leaving us at the mercy of armed gangs that continue to terrorise residents, damage property, and disrupt peace.

“We urgently need a police presence in these communities. It is surprising that despite having notable and influential individuals from here, the security situation has been left unattended.”

The residents insist that restoring police posts in these communities will serve as both a deterrent to criminals and a reassurance of safety for law-abiding citizens. They called on security agencies and relevant government authorities to treat the matter as an urgent public safety priority.