The Cross River State Police Command has ordered heightened intelligence gathering and increased security monitoring in Ekorinim 1 Housing Estate, Calabar, following reports of recurring burglary in the area.
The development comes amid concerns over insecurity around the private residence of Governor Bassey Otu, as raised by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, following a DAILY POST report on residents’ complaints about incessant robbery attacks in the neighbourhood.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has directed a comprehensive security assessment to verify the reported incidents and identify possible threats.
The statement, however, said preliminary checks with the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in charge of the State Housing Division indicated that the station had not received any recent formal complaints about such incidents.
It added that the command would not dismiss residents’ concerns, despite the absence of formal reports, and had directed officers to intensify intelligence gathering and security monitoring in the estate.
The Commissioner of Police said the safety of residents remained a priority, irrespective of their status, location or proximity to public office holders.
He urged residents who had experienced burglary incidents or possessed credible information to report to the nearest police station or contact the command’s control room through 0704 177 7060 or 0705 335 5415.
The police also urged residents to report suspicious movements and criminal activities to enable timely intervention.