Calabar locals have expressed grave fear that the renowned annual Calabar Carnival, which is set for December 1, could be affected by the growing insecurity in Cross River State.
They expressed their concern that the carnival this year would be overshadowed by the rising number of kidnappings in the nation’s capital.
They demanded that the security services and the government act quickly to resolve the situation.
NAN reports that kidnappings targeting professionals such as physicians, attorneys, educators, and government officials have occurred in Calabar virtually every day.
In response to the kidnapping of Professor Ekanem Ephraim, a neurologist who has been kept captive for 115 days since July, the Nigerian Medical Association decided to end its 40-day protest.
NMA chairman, Dr. Felix Archibong, said the state has become uninhabitable for citizens due to kidnappers. He added that the crisis poses dangers for investors and tourists planning to attend the carnival.
“This is the situation in the state, and it is regrettable that our colleague is still in captivity after 115 days.
“We are trying so hard not to make industrial action another alternative to getting the government and security agencies to keep to their promises,” he stated.
A resident, Abel Achor, blamed rising abduction cases on economic hardship and urged the government to enable a thriving business climate that can provide jobs.
“My stand is that if the government cannot provide the needed jobs for the unemployed, they should at least ensure an environment for businesses to thrive,” he said.
The state governor, Bassey Otu, has strongly condemned kidnappings, announcing rewards for information leading to arrests; however, locals say mere condemnations are not enough to end the scourge.
“The technology can detect whereabouts of kidnappers. I had earlier granted the criminals amnesty. Only a handful came out to surrender their guns.
“I am not taking anything for granted. I have decided to go all out for them. If they won’t allow others to live in peace, they, too, won’t.
“They live amongst us. And so, the people must help to volunteer information about them,” the governor said.
The state Commissioner of Police, Gyogon Grimah, says suspects have been arrested, but more action is required to curb insecurity before the carnival in December.
NAN
