From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
Several cult-related and gang groups in Cross River State have signed a peace accord, pledging to renounce kidnapping, violent clashes and other criminal activities across the state.
Triumph reliably gathered that the agreement was followed by a peace walk organised by the Cross River State Homeland Safety and Security Agency through major streets of Calabar, the state capital, on Thursday.
Officials said the groups involved in the accord had previously been linked to various forms of violent and criminal activities within the state.
The Director (South) of the Homeland Safety and Security Agency, Michael Orok Nsan, said the initiative was aimed at consolidating peace and strengthening security in Cross River.
According to him, members of the groups took an oath to uphold integrity, respect the rights of citizens and refrain from violence, warning that any violation of the agreement could attract government sanctions.
Governor Bassey Otu, who was represented by Chief Koko Henshaw, described the peace walk as part of an ongoing security process in the state.
He noted that cult-related activities had significantly declined since the current administration assumed office, attributing the progress to sustained engagement and security reforms.
Nsan defended the government’s decision to engage the groups, arguing that previous approaches which relied solely on the use of force had failed to achieve lasting peace.
Also speaking, the Director (Central) of the Homeland Safety and Security Agency, Felix William Arikpo, said the initiative was designed to prevent conflicts, especially during the farming season, when disputes often escalate into violence.
He expressed optimism that the peace accord would further enhance safety and stability across communities in Cross River State.
