The Governor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade, has come hard on cultists in the State, on Monday, declaring a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Counsellorship Candidate, and 34 others, wanted, over their involvement in cult activities, including violent killings.
Governor Ayade’s order was on the heels of the recent cult killings in the State, particularly in Calabar metropolis.
Findings also showed that the Ward 6 PDP Counsellorship Candidate of Calabar-South Local Government Area, LGA, was among the 35 persons declared wanted.
A letter with reference number SSG/SSO/430/S.I/400, signed by the Permanent Secretary on Security in the Governor’s Office, Dr. Alfred Mboto, stated that the 35 persons listed in the letter have been declared wanted for a spate of killings and violence in the State.
The letter partly read: “The spate of killings and violence taking place in the Calabar metropolis, over supremacy of various fraternities is alarming and unacceptable by the government and people of Cross River State.
“In view of this development, the State has declared the following persons, 35 of them who have been identified as the Ring Leaders, wanted.
“The public is also informed that any house/hotel accommodating any of these persons or any other perpetrators of the act, will be confiscated, and the owner of the property prosecuted accordingly.
“A handsome reward awaits any person or group of persons who avail Security Agencies, the information of their whereabouts, please.”
When contacted on Monday, the Permanent Secretary on Security in Governor’s Office, said that it is beyond politics or political party, adding that the safety of lives and property is paramount.
His words: “The order and declaration by His Excellency, for the manhunt of the suspects are beyond politics or political party. It is about the security of the lives and property of the people of Cross River.
“The bloodbath in the State capital is too much. We have conducted several investigations, which pointed to the suspected cultists; hence the reason for declaring them wanted, enough is enough.
“I want to warn again that it does not matter who is involved, or their position in government or society, anyone capable will face the full wrath of the law. Anyone who accommodates them will be arrested and prosecuted, while such building will be demolished”, Mboto said.
