Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of South-South and Head of Department of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the country, DIG Sokari Pedro has said that in comparison with other South-South states, crime rate in Cross River State is very low.
He stated this when he paid a courtesy visit to the state governor, Senator Bassey Otu in Calabar.
He said the assessment was according to the security reports at their disposal.
The DIG explained that the reduction in crime rate in the state was as a result of the support they received from the state government to fight crime.
He encouraged the state not to relent.
“Our men have inundated us with the present administration’s steadfast support for the smooth operations of operating security in the State. We urge you not to relent in this regard to sustain the current tempo,” he said.
Pedro disclosed that the essence of his visit was to have a first-hand experience of how police personnel were fairing in the state, and to boost their morale.
He also stated that part of his visit was to remind his officers of the need to always adhere to their professional ethics as officers of the law.
Welcoming him, Governor Bassey Otu represented by his deputy, Peter Odey restated his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies to exterminate the remaining small pockets of crime in the State.
He applauded the collaborative efforts of the Police and other security agencies in combating crime and insecurity in the State.
Otu assured the police and other sister agencies of his administration’s readiness to support them with Hi-Tech facilities and basic technology that would enhance the fight against crime in the Cross River.
“I want to thank you and your team for making time to visit the state. We are happy that you came.
“Let me also thank the Commissioner of Police, CP Gyogon Augustine Grimah and his men for the tremendous work they are doing in the State. Because of them we can sleep with our eyes closed. They have reduced crime to the barest minimum.
“Today, crime has become impossible to fight without the use of modern technology.
“We’ll do more for the police and her sister security agencies to ensure that we put to rest all the security challenges in the state,” he stated.