The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Cross River

  • Fire guts Cross River court

    Fire guts Cross River court

    A fire outbreak has ravaged the Cross River High Court building in Ogoja, northern part of the 

    State leaving a trail of destruction and uncertainty.

    As of the time of this report,  the cause of the fire, which occured on Sunday, remains unknown. It left  the court’s infrastructure severely damaged. 

    The High Court Ogoja division is a critical institution in the State’s judicial system, serving as a hub for legal proceedings, dispute resolution and hope for the common man.

    Read Also: IEI partners Cross River govt on Calabar Carnival

    As at the time of filing this report, the extent of the damage is being assessed by officials. 

  • Cross River magistrates begin strike over unmet demands

    Cross River magistrates begin strike over unmet demands

    After a series of meetings spanning from November 2025 and warning strikes between November and early December, 2024,

    All the magistrates in Cross River State have declared an indefinite strike, starting from today.

    They premised their action on the failure of the state government to meet their eight-point demands bordering on welfare, promotions and conditions of the working environment and of service.

    The magistrates said all the meetings they held with the government and the warning strike they had embarked upon to draw attention to their demands did not yield any good result.

    Read Also: Cross River Magistrates vow to begin indefinite strike over alleged unmet demands

    According to the association’s Bulletin Number 2, dated December 8, the Chairman of the state’s chapter of Magistrates’ Association of Nigeria, Emmanuel Onah, and the state’s Secretary, Solomon Abuo, announced that the strike would begin today and that it would be indefinite.

    They urged the association’s members to stay away from official work.

    The bulletin reads: “Sequel to our communiqué issued on November 5, 2024 after the general meeting wherein eight demands were made to the Government of Cross River State…

  • Cross River Magistrates vow to begin indefinite strike over alleged unmet demands

    Cross River Magistrates vow to begin indefinite strike over alleged unmet demands

    After a series of meetings in November 2024 and warning strikes extending into early December, Magistrates in Cross River State have announced an indefinite strike starting on Monday, December 9, 2024. 

    The strike stems from the government’s failure to address their 8-point demands, which focus on welfare, promotions, and improvements in their working conditions and environment. 

    This decision was confirmed in Bulletin Number 2, dated December 8, 2024, issued by the Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN), Cross River State Chapter.

    The bulletin was signed by the chapter chairman, His Worship Godwin Onah, Esq., and the state secretary, Solomon Abuo, Esq. 

    The bulletin urged members to stay away from official duties indefinitely.

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    It stated: “Sequel to our communiqué issued on November 5, 2024, after the general meeting wherein 8 demands were made to the Government of Cross River State, we are left with no option but to embark on an indefinite strike effective Monday, December 9, 2024.” 

    The Magistrates Association emphasized that the strike will continue until their demands are fully met.

    “Furthermore, a sequel to our letter to the Governor of Cross River State dated 11th November 2024, wherein the notice of strike, was extended to Friday 22 November 2024 to enable the State Government to attend to our demands, and in view of the Bulletin No. 1 dated 27” November 2024 wherein we had embarked on a warning strike from 27” November – 29th November 2024, and the government of Cross River State has failed to address our demands as contained In our communique dated 5 November 2024, or even taking any steps to negotiate with us.

    “We are hereby embarking on an indefinite strike action from Monday, 9″ Day of December 2024 till our demands are met. Finally, all Magistrates across the State are to ensure strict compliance with this Bulletin by abstaining from performing all official duties including court sittings ti further notice, solidarity forever”.

  • Mpox: 117 suspected, 14 confirmed cases in Cross River

    Mpox: 117 suspected, 14 confirmed cases in Cross River

    To address the outbreak of Monkeypox (Mpox) in Cross River State, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), has trained 200 community-based volunteers on Mpox response strategies. 

    The two-day training, conducted in three clusters, focused on Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) and surveillance, critical elements in tackling the growing outbreak.

    This initiative was necessitated by the 117 suspected cases and 14 confirmed cases of Mpox reported across eight local government areas: Calabar South, Calabar Municipal, Akpabuyo, Akamkpa, Ogoja, Yala, Yakurr, and Obudu. 

    The volunteers were equipped with essential skills to combat the disease. Their primary responsibilities include house-to-house awareness campaigns to educate the public on Mpox prevention, active case detection, contact tracing, and offering psychosocial support to affected families. 

    Read Also: Mpox: Gavi secures 500,000 doses of vaccines for Africa

    State Epidemiologist Mrs. Inyang Ekpenyong Ekpo, along with State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) Christiana Ugbong and other health officials, facilitated the training. 

    Organizers believe the program is a significant step in curbing the spread of Mpox in the state. The collaboration between the NRCS and the Cross River State Ministry of Health underscores the importance of local leadership and expertise in managing public health challenges.

  • EU ends six years of darkness in C’ River community

    EU ends six years of darkness in C’ River community

    The European Union (EU) has ended six years of darkness in the Etomi community in Cross River State with a solar mini-grid.

    Residents of the community now enjoy reliable, clean and affordable electricity through the EU-funded solar mini-grid project. 

    The solar project, which provides 119.5kW of electricity to over 600 households and businesses in the community, was implemented by GIZ.

    The Head of Green and Digital Economy Section, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Inga Stefanowicz explained that the grid is managed under a public-private partnership arrangement to ensure its sustainability and long-term maintenance. 

    “A private company is overseeing the operations of the grid, in partnership with the Cross River State Government,” Stefanowicz said. 

    Stefanowicz said the project is part of the EU’s Global Gateway initiative and aimed to ensure that Nigerians have access to clean, renewable, and affordable energy. 

    “The provision of reliable, clean, and affordable electricity for domestic and commercial use will boost the social and economic development of the people. I am also glad to say that we are taking electricity to a cocoa-producing community. This will help their farming activities and processes greatly,” Stefanowicz added. 

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    The Cross River State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Eka Williams, explained that the solar mini-grid project is an off-grid system and expressed the conviction that it would serve the Etomi community very well. 

    A resident of Etomi community, John Okpa, said: “We are happy because the EU has provided us with electricity after six years of darkness. We are grateful to them, and pray that God continues to bless them.”

    Another resident, Precious Jeremiah, revealed that for seven years, she used a generator to run her hair-styling business. 

    This, according to her, comes at a high cost of fueling, repairing and servicing the generator. 

    She said: “Before the installation of the solar plant, I managed my business using a generator. The cost of fueling the generator is very expensive.

    “Since the installation of the solar plant, my customers can come into my shop to get their hair done and enjoy a cool and clean atmosphere devoid of generator smoke and noise. Also, I am able to make enough profit to take care of my household, including paying for the school fees of my children”

  • Police detain six suspected Ambazonian separatists in C’River

    Police detain six suspected Ambazonian separatists in C’River

    The Police Command in Cross River says it has detained six suspected Ambazonian rebels for interrogation, after invading Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state.

    The command’s Spokesperson, DSP Ewa Igri, confirmed their detention to newsmen in Calabar on Saturday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ambazonia, is a political entity proclaimed by Anglophone separatists, who are seeking independence from Cameroon.

    The separatists claim that Ambazonia should consist of the Northwest Region and Southwest Region of Cameroon.

    Since 2017, Ambazonian rebels have engaged in armed conflict with the Cameroonian military, in what is known as the Anglophone Crisis.

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    The rebels have attempted to set up governments-in-exile, and supportive militias have exerted control over parts of the claimed territory.

    The command’s spokesperson, who said the suspected separatists were arrested following intelligence information, described the feat as a breakthrough for the law enforcement agency.

    He said that the suspects, whose age ranges between 18 and 36, were paraded with various weapons, improvised explosives devices, booths, charms and flags.

    He added that they were found with various weapons, improvised explosives devices, booths, charms and flags.

  • Cocoa farmers, thugs clash in Cross River

    Cocoa farmers, thugs clash in Cross River

    No fewer than six farm workers were injured when thugs clashed around the Government Cocoa Estate in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    Narrating his ordeal on his hospital bed at Ikom  General Hospital, a victim, Mr. Kelly Abang, said: “I went to work at Mr  Mark Prince’s Cocoa Farm and one man, who identified himself as Chilo, asked us about the owner of the farm and we told him we are working for Mark Prince.

    “He demanded that I should call our boss, because he wanted to speak with him. And I responded to his demand and I put a call across to him.Thereafter, Mr. Chilo (Asu Njor) asked us to continue with our work and he left in the company of the boys. Only for him to return about 30 minutes later with some armed young men who tortured and inflicted injuries on us with machetes.”

    Prince blamed the Special Adviser to the State Government on Security  Matters,  Maj.-Gen Okoi Obono(rtd), of compromising the security situation at the l32-hectare Abonita Cocoa Estate, where he shared a boundary with the Government Cocoa Estate, calling for investigation into the matter and sanction given to culprits.

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    He added: “Thugs are parading with arms in the cocoa farm. If this is not checked, I foresee an outbreak of lawlessness at the Abonita axis between Agborkim and Ajassor neighbouring communities in the near future. Persistent attacks can cause war between the two sister communities, because there is no way you can machete people like this and we mobilise for revenge, so that it won’t result in a communal war.

    “I am calling on Governor Bassey Otu to ask his State Security Adviser,  Maj.-Gen Okoi Obono (rtd), to explain to him why he stopped soldiers from patrolling at Abonita Cocoa Estate known for criminal activities.”

    The farmer said: “We have instances where a criminal is reported at the Divisional Police Headquarters at Effraya, Etung Local Government of the state, and the matter will be transferred to Zone 6 Police Command, Calabar, or Abuja. Before you know it, the victims suddenly turn to suspects.’’

    But, Njor (Chilo) and Gen. Obono denied their involvement in the matter, stressing that he had asked the  police to commence an immediate investigation into the crisis.

  • 19 underaged children rescued in Cross River

    19 underaged children rescued in Cross River

    Over 19 underaged children have been rescued in Cross State.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the children, who were rescued by  National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), from Calabar, Cross River State, were trafficked under the guise of education.

    Receiving the victims in Birnin Kebbi, Governor Nasir Idris, noted that the achievement would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of NAPTIP and other security agencies.

    ”As a government, we remain committed to protecting the vulnerable and ensuring that our children grow up in a safe and secure environment.

    ”The rescue of 19 Kebbi children from Calabar, Cross River State, who were trafficked under the guise of education is a testimony to our unwavering resolve to combat human trafficking and all forms of exploitation in our state,” he said.

    Idris commended the security agencies involved in the operation, reaffirming the commitment of his administration to supporting initiatives that safeguard the rights and well-being of the children.

    ”I assure you that we will provide the necessary care and support to help you recover from this traumatic experience.

    ”You are not alone and we will do everything in our power to ensure your safety and well-being,” he assured.

    Read Also: Bobrisky never left custodial centre, NCS insists

    The governor warned that the government would not tolerate exploitation and harm on children, saying, “we will not tolerate such evil in our state, and we will continue to work tirelessly to bring perpetrators to justice.”

    While handing over the children, Alhaji Misbahu Kaura, the State Commander of NAPTIP, narrated that the arrest of one suspect early July with four underaged children led to the rescue of another 15 children.

    ”Upon interrogating one suspect, who was apprehended trafficking four children led us to the rescue of another 15 children, aged between four and six, in Calabar, Cross River State.’’

    ”The man had been engaging in this heinous crime of trafficking in children for two years, since 2022,” the commander said.

  • Celebrating Cross River north heritage

    Celebrating Cross River north heritage

    • By Oluwashindara Oso

    Cross River State Ministry of Tourism, Art and Culture in partnership with France-based curator Bose Fagbemi has started an Urban Art exhibition at Ogoja Council Hall, Ogoja  last Sunday . The event will end on September 30.

    The exhibition, which will feature 15th to 21st-century artworks from the districts of Bekwarra, Obudu, Yala, Obanliku and Ogoja, aims to showcase the rich culture of the North Senatorial Districts of Cross River State.

    While Calabar is a well-known tourist hub that has witnessed significant developments over the years, Obudu with its beautiful plains, hills and the famous mountain resort is an emerging tourist haven among the districts in the northern part of the state.

    Obudu is also home to renowned sculptors, monolith experts, textile makers, and ceramists. The area is famous for its distinct attire, rich food culture, especially yam, and the elaborate New Yam celebration.

    Read Also: Minister orders probe into alleged poor feeding of inmates in Cross River

    The exhibition will highlight works of artists such as Okon Ukpong, a renowned sculptor known for the Bull Head at the Obudu Ranch and the giant hands in Calabar, who hails from the district. Others are Eric Okah, Jerry Unimke, Rhoda Akaegbu, Ndem Kingsley Ette, Okpok Ekong  Okon, Erasmus Onyishi, Nje John Agbor, Umana Nnochiri and Blessy Bassy.

    The districts in focus also boast diverse languages and rich cultural heritage. The exhibition will also feature notable figures such as the Benin princess and Prof Peju Layiwola, who represents the Benin Kingdom and builds a connection to Oba Ovonranwen N’ogbaisi. The Owan Igede community, with ancestral links to the Owan people of Edo State, will also be represented.

    The event aims to build a bridge between these districts and other parts of Cross River State, coinciding with the peak period of the New Yam celebration, the beginning of the Carnival dry run, and preparations. It will merge these cultural festivities with institutional art from some of the best lecturers from the three higher institutions in Cross River State.

  • Minister orders probe into alleged poor feeding of inmates in Cross River

    Minister orders probe into alleged poor feeding of inmates in Cross River

    The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered an investigation into the alleged poor feeding of inmates at Afokang Custodial Centre in Calabar, Cross River state.

    The minister said a comprehensive investigation would be conducted to unravel the truth regarding the issues so that those responsible would be made to account for their actions.

    Tunji-Ojo while reacting to a video currently in circulation on social media on the standard of feeding in the facility, described it as grave and unacceptable.

    In a statement signed by his media aide, Babatunde Alao, the Minister said it was unthinkable and unlikely that inmates at the facility are being subjected to inhumane treatment, including being served poorly cooked beans as breakfast, as depicted in the video.

    “The Minister views this incident as a serious breach of the standards of care and dignity to which inmates are entitled.

    “He has directed a comprehensive and urgent investigation into this matter, and those responsible will be held accountable,” Alao said.

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    The minister warned that any lapses in the quality of food, sanitation, and welfare of inmates would not be tolerated, adding that the service must ensure inmates are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

    Alao quoted the minister as saying that he would not condone any form of mistreatment or neglect of individuals in custody while promising that the findings of the investigation would be made public, and necessary disciplinary actions taken.