We’ll make C’ River a reference point in security – Police Commissioner

From Ene Ene Calabar

The Cross River State Commissioner of Police, CP Grima Gyogen has disclosed that the state police command was working hard with sister security agencies to make Cross River a reference point in security.

Grima made the disclosure on Tuesday in Calabar when the leadership and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

The CP who commended Gov. Bassey Otu for creating a conducive environment for the police and sister security agencies in the state to work, called on the residents to still remain vigilant, despite the peace and security enjoyed in the state.

The police boss also called on journalists in the state to be more conscious while reporting crime, adding that always reporting more of what criminals were doing psychologically gives them the upper hand.

“Your publications should motivate the security agencies to do more and not mentally encourage criminal elements in the society.

“Even if reports of high crime rates are not true they have the potential to prevent visitors and investors willing to come to the state for business or leisure,” he said.

He said Cross River was a state well positioned for tourism, being one of the few states that still had its pristine forests and other international standard tourist attractions.

He appealed to the government and people of the Cross River to create an atmosphere that encourages people outside the state to see Cross River as a key tourism destination in the nation.

On her part, the Chairperson of NUJ, Mrs Archibong Bassey thanked the CP for the enhanced security in the state, noting that it would be a disservice if security operatives were not appreciated.

According to her, a few months ago, Cross River became strange to many who were born and grew up in the state following the high rate of crime and criminality but the CP’s coming has really stemmed the tide of crime in the state.

“Although crime has not been totally put to a halt, I believe it is work in progress and we now see prompt response of security agencies during emergencies, this is highly commendable.

“Many years ago, even at about 1a.m, you could still find people on the roads but presently, immediately it is 8p.m, people are itching to go home due to the security situation, however, it is heartwarming security agencies are doing their best to restore security in the state”, She stated.