Governor Bassey Otu has warned kidnappers in Cross River to be ready for a rough time as his government would be ruthless in attacking them wherever their hideouts could be.
The governor, who said this in Calabar, Wednesday, shortly after swearing in 31 new commissioners, said “in their quest for illicit wealth, some disgruntled elements have resorted to kidnappings and abduction crimes that are alien to our people.
“These elements, in their actions, show no regard, love, sympathy and respect to human life and dignity thereby scaring investors and tourists from our once peaceful state. I wish to state that enough is enough and this must stop.
“Security agencies are therefore directed to deploy all resources at their disposals to ensure that this nonsense stops forthwith, and that all hostages are free and returned safely to their families.
“We are committed to operating within the ambit of the Cross River State Kidnapping Prohibition Law which was passed by the 8th Assembly, assented to by His Excellency Gov Ben Ayade and gazetted
“The same law makes provisions for various penalties that my administration is ready and willing to enforce in order to bring this reprehensible activity to an end. We have tolerated this nonsense enough.
“We have discussed this matter with Mr President and Security Chiefs, we have also rejigged the security architecture that was on ground and we are going to be ruthless. This is a final warning to kidnappers and other criminals,” he said.