…As DSS intercepts sophisticated arms in Cross River

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has drawn a hard line against political violence, vowing crushing consequences for politicians and their sponsors plotting to import arms into the state.

The Governor’s warning follows the interception of a major cache of sophisticated weapons by the Department of State Services (DSS) along the Bekwarra-Ogoja axis.

Security sources said four suspects were trailed from Northern Nigeria through Benue State into Cross River. Two were arrested while two others escaped with gunshot wounds.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor during parade of the suspects and display of the weapons, Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, said preliminary investigations link the arms movement to the prevailing political climate.

“The peace of Cross River State is non-negotiable. No political ambition, personal interest or desperation for power is worth the life of any citizen. We will not allow anyone, regardless of status, political affiliation or connections, to import violence into our state or turn our communities into killing fields,” Odey declared.

He said the state will not treat the interception as an isolated security breach, warning that arms of such sophistication could be used to intimidate opponents, terrorize communities and disrupt lawful political activities.

Odey disclosed that the arrested suspects will be charged to court while investigations continue to trace the origin of the weapons, unmask sponsors and intended recipients.

“Nobody is above the law. We will not shield anyone because of political affiliation or social standing. If investigations establish that anyone sponsored, procured or intended to deploy these weapons, such person will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.

He insisted that politics must be a contest of ideas, vision and service, not weapons, and urged political actors to exercise restraint.

The government commended the DSS and other security agencies for their vigilance and urged residents to report suspicious movements to security agencies.