Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has confirmed that his government’s determined effort to war against criminal elements in the state has become very effective.

He disclosed that his security apparatuses have dismantled all the 16 criminal camps identified in parts of the state, especially the creeks.

He disclosed this when he addressed a huge crowd of elders from the Cross River Southern Consultative Forum, APC leaders, and supporters when they celebrated and endorsed him and President Bola Tinubu for a second term.

He said, “Our war against criminals has gained momentum. We have dismantled over 16 miscreant camps. This has paved way for peace and safety in the stste. The onslaught will continue.

“We’re giving the bad elements a second chance through our amnesty and reintegration programme,”

He reaffirmed his government’s human-centred development philosophy, assuring then elements of amnesty.

Two federal lawmakers, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr. representing Cross River southern district and former member of House of Representatives, Bishop Alex Ukam, as well as former commissioner for lands, Arc Bassey Ndem, also spoke on efforts of the government on security.

“Over two years ago, my Akpabuyo LGA was a hotbed for criminals.

“It got to the extent that they operated with impunity even in broad light. But today, residents can sleep in their house peacefully”, he said.

Speaking similarly, Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Uganda, Nya Asuquo urged the governor to consolidate the feat achieved in security and replicate it elsewhere.