On Thursday night, armed robbers attacked residents on Imoh Street by Afokang Road in Calabar, leaving some people injured.

This occurred just hours after Governor Bassey Otu launched a new security outfit called Operation Okwok, aimed at tackling crime in the state. Governor Otu had also donated 30 vehicles to help improve security.

One of the victims, Miss Alice Dickson, a student at the College of Health Technology, Calabar, shared her frightening experience. She said, “They came at night, well-armed.

They used heavy tools to break down our door. They hit us and took the money I withdrew earlier to pay for my school fees, along with our phones and other valuables.

They also broke into my neighbors’ homes before leaving. We didn’t get any help from the police, and now I’m scared to sleep because they could come back.”

Governor Otu had earlier warned criminals in the state that his administration was ready to fight crime with Operation Okwok, which replaces the previous Operation Apakwu.

The new initiative, which includes a joint task force of security personnel, aims to make Cross River State safer.

In a statement, Otu promised to continue supporting security agencies to fight crime, highlighting that crime rates, including kidnapping and robbery, have decreased in recent months.

The State Security Adviser, Major General Okoi Ubi Obono, explained that the name “Okwok” comes from the Efik language, meaning “bee.” Just like bees fiercely protect their hives, the new security outfit is determined to protect the state.

Governor Otu’s commitment to security has also been praised by the Commissioner of Police, Gyogon Augustine Grimah, who highlighted the recent delivery of several new vehicles for security operations.