The Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone Six, Jonathan Towuru, has directed Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, Augustine Grimah, to deploy more men to provide adequate security cover for participants and guests before, during and after the annual one-month Calabar Carnival as well as for the yuletide celebration.
The AIG disclosed this when he played host to the Executive Secretary, Cross River State Carnival Commission, Hon. Austin Cobham, and his team who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.
Some media reports have suggested there was a resurgence of crimes in the state such as kidnapping and armed robbery in recent times.
In a statement signed by the zonal PRO, SP Nelson Okpabi, he, however, called on residents of the state, especially the participants at the twin celebrations to be security conscious as they relish the festivals.
“I want to urge the good people of the Zone six who reside in the state to be security conscious.
“I appeal for your cooperation with the police. And please I want to encourage you to be bold by promptly reporting suspicious characters within your community to enable the police disrupt and apprehend the criminals.
“Let me inform that I have directed the Command Commissioner of Police to ensure proper deployment of personnel and resources during the yuletide season for effective policing”, the AIG said.
Speaking earlier, the executive secretary of the Carnival Commission thanked the AIG for his supervisory role on the Command which, he said has brought relative peace to the State.
He added that their visit was to reinforce the existing partnership for a hitch free 2023 carnival.
He further appreciated the police for securing the state and invited the AIG and his team to this year’s carnival.
AIG orders CP to deploy more men for Calabar Carnival