Residents of Ekorinim 1 Housing Estate in Calabar, Cross River State, have raised considerations over recurring robbery incidents of their neighbourhood, regardless of the heavy presence of armed policemen round Governor Bassey Otu’s personal residence which is situated within the space.
The residents stated a number of homes throughout the intellectual neighbourhood had been burgled in current weeks, with robbers carting away valuables.
Their complaints have raised questions concerning the effectiveness of safety preparations across the governor’s residence, which is protected by armed policemen and two roadblocks.
Otu has operated from his personal residence for practically three years whereas his official residence, Peregrino Lodge, undergoes renovation.
Some residents, store house owners, tricycle operators and passersby who spoke with DAILY POST alleged that the heavy safety presence was largely concentrated across the governor’s fast environment, leaving different components of the property susceptible.
One of the residents, Madam Winifred Omini, stated robbers attacked two homes in a close-by avenue final week.
“Last week, robbers attacked two houses behind this street and stole valuables. They constantly break into houses in this neighbourhood.
“People assume that as a result of the governor lives right here and there are a lot of policemen round, safety issues mustn’t happen. But that isn’t the scenario. Security is 75 per cent,” she said, adding that youths in the area were often suspected of involvement in the attacks.
Another resident, Martin Robert, confirmed the complaints, saying his neighbour’s apartment was recently burgled.
“It’s true. Recently, they robbed my neighbour’s condo and carted away his air conditioner and freezer,” he said.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, questioned whether the incidents had been formally reported to the police.
“Was there actually any report made to the station, or any current incidents?” he requested.
