The Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Prof. Francisca Bassey, has commended the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, alongside the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and other security agencies for their collaborative efforts in restoring peace and improving security across the state.
The commendation came during an interview at a collaborative security programme organised by the Cross River State Government in partnership with the DSS and other security agencies.
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Vice Chancellor Reflects on Past Security Challenges
Speaking during the interview, Prof. Bassey recounted the difficult security situation that once affected the state and tertiary institutions, particularly UNICROSS.
She recalled incidents of campus violence, cult-related clashes, kidnappings, and insecurity that created fear among students, staff, and residents.
According to the Vice Chancellor, one of her colleagues was kidnapped and held captive for a month, while another young victim reportedly lost his life after a ransom was not paid. She also referenced the disappearance of a pioneering female neurosurgeon, whose whereabouts remain unknown.
She explained that these incidents created an atmosphere of fear that disrupted academic and social activities within the university community.
Improved Security Restores Confidence on Campus
Prof. Bassey noted that the security situation has significantly improved due to coordinated efforts by the state government and security agencies.
According to her, academic activities, examinations, and other university programmes are now conducted in a peaceful and secure environment without the disruptions previously experienced.
She added that staff, students, and residents can now move freely at any time of the day or night, describing the current atmosphere as a remarkable improvement from previous years.
Credits Governor Otu and Security Agencies
The UNICROSS Vice Chancellor attributed the improved security to Governor Bassey Otu’s leadership and the coordinated operations of the DSS, Nigeria Police Force, the military, and other security agencies.
She praised their commitment to protecting lives and property while creating an environment conducive to education, investment, and development.
Calls for Greater Collaboration Across Nigeria
Prof. Bassey urged other state governments facing security challenges to adopt a collaborative approach to tackling insecurity.
She emphasized that restoring peace requires political will, effective coordination among security agencies, and active participation from all stakeholders.
According to her, sustained collaboration between government institutions, security agencies, and communities remains essential to achieving lasting peace and national development.
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