The Nigerian Army has assured of its readiness in checking activities of militants in the creeks of Akpabuyo and Bakassi Local Government Areas of Cross River.
This is contained in a release signed by Capt. Kayode Owolabi, the Army Public Relations Officer of 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Calabar, on Wednesday.
Owolabi also described as false claims that the two local government areas were under the control of militants.
“The attention of the Headquarters 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, has been drawn to reports that militant groups have taken over Akpabuyo and Bakassi Local Government Areas in Cross River.
“We want to state that this story is baseless and has no iota of truth.
“This headquarters wishes to inform the general public that our troops are on ground in Bakassi to checkmate any militant activities.
“Let us categorically state that apart from some few criminal activities which have been checked by our troops, Akpabuyo and Bakassi Local Government Areas, have been generally peaceful,’’ he said.
He, however, urged members of the public to go about their lawful businesses as security agents were on ground to forestall any security breach.
Also, Mr Jimoh Ozi-Obeh, the state Commissioner of Police, told NAN that the reports were untrue and should not be taken seriously.
Ozi-Obeh said that with the team of able policemen deployed to both local governments, no militants group was holding any part of the state to ransom.
According to him, the state government in collaboration with the police have strengthened security patrol along the creeks of Akpabuyo and Bakassi.
“There is no militants group that is overrunning any part of Cross River. The joint security patrol in the state is always on alert to forestall any crisis.
“It is unethical for some people to go to press and say that Akpabuyo and Bakassi are under the control of militants,’’ he said.
The Chairman of Akpabuyo Local Government, Dr Patrick Ene-Okon, told NAN that they have been some cases of kidnapping and militancy in the area.
Ene-Okon,, however, said that “no militant group is overrunning the council or running any parallel government.
“We are working with fear because of the activities of these militants group and kidnappers, but they are not overrunning any part of Akpabuyo as reported in the media.
Also, Mrs Edisua Usang-Iso, Chairman of Bakassi Local Government, said that the council area was peaceful as residents in the area were going about their lawful businesses. (NAN)