Kidnappers, robbers on the prowl in Calabar

The activities of kidnappers and armed robbers have continued to instill fear among residents of Calabar, the capital city of Cross River, within the last few months, our correspondent reports.

In separate interviews with our reporter in Calabar on Wednesday, the respondents said they now lived in perpetual fear as activities of the men of the underworld were now becoming a daily occurrence.

They lamented that they now slept with their eyes opened for fear of being robbed or abducted.

They noted that many of the residents had either lost their valuables, huge money paid as ransom or outright loss of lives to the unwholesome activities of the criminals.

The residents also said aside robbery and Kidnapping, cult war that had led to loss of lives was not helping matters.

The residents particularly mentioned places like Esiereebom, Iyonde, Jebs, Iboku, Ibesikpo, and many other inner streets in Calabar South Local Government Area as areas where the activities took place.

Mr Abel Urshie, a resident, said those activities were known to the authorities that ought to address the challenges.

He decried the brazen ways the robbers and kidnappers carried out their activities.

“We are often left bewildered with how they go about it and this has placed us in a helpless situation,” he stated.

On his part, Ndikaka Eyo regretted that insecurity challenges that had been eradicated in Calabar South long time ago, was now back in full force.

He appealed to the security agencies to rise up to the challenge.

According to him, “it is that bad that bold drivers no longer acccept to come to certain areas in Calabar South anytime from 7 p.m. because some of them have been victims of either robbery or abduction”.

A resident and staff member of the University of Calabar (Unical) who pleaded anonymity, also said part of the university’s community had their own share of the ugly story.

“You are aware that several of my colleagues have been abducted and huge amount of money parted way to secure their release at different intervals.

“Many of our students have been also attacked with their phones and other valuables taken from them.

“Some hotels off campus have also witnessed same attacks, just like they have invaded our university Staff quarters to abduct staff,” he said.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Gyogon Grimah, said that the police were on top of the matter.

In a recent statement, Grimah said Police personnel had been deployed to man various locations across the state.

He warned against crime and criminalities in the state.

According to him, “The command has launched an onslaught on the dare devil gangs operating in the state.”