Residents of Ekorinim 1 Housing Estate in Calabar, Cross River State, have raised the alarm over recurring burglary incidents in their neighbourhood despite the heavy deployment of armed policemen around the private residence of Governor Bassey Otu.
The residents alleged that several houses within the highbrow estate had been burgled in recent weeks, with suspected robbers escaping with valuable household items.
The development has raised concerns over the effectiveness of security arrangements in the neighbourhood, particularly as the governor’s private residence is protected by armed police officers and two security roadblocks.
Governor Otu has reportedly been operating from his private residence for nearly three years while his official residence, Peregrino Lodge, undergoes renovation.
However, some residents, shop owners, tricycle operators and passersby who spoke with DAILY POST alleged that security personnel were more concerned with protecting the governor’s immediate surroundings, leaving other sections of the estate exposed to criminal activities.
One of the residents, Madam Winifred Omini, disclosed that suspected robbers attacked two houses on a nearby street last week.
“Last week, robbers attacked two houses behind this street and stole valuables. They constantly break into houses in this neighbourhood.
“People assume that because the governor lives here and there are many policemen around, security problems should not occur. But that is not the situation. Security is 75 per cent,” she said.
Omini also alleged that some youths in the neighbourhood were often suspected of involvement in the robbery incidents.
Another resident, Martin Robert, corroborated the complaints, revealing that his neighbour’s apartment was recently burgled.
“It’s true. Recently, they robbed my neighbour’s apartment and carted away his air conditioner and freezer,” he said.
When contacted for comments, the Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, questioned whether the alleged incidents had been formally reported to the police.
“Was there really any report made to the station, or any recent incidents?” he asked.
