Residents of Calabar are afraid that the state of instability in Cross River State may have an impact on the famous annual Calabar Carnival, which is scheduled for December 1.
Their concern was that the increasing frequency of kidnappings in the state’s capital would eclipse this year’s carnival.
They called for the government and security agencies to move swiftly to put an end to the crisis.
Doctors, lawyers, teachers, and government officials are among the professions that have reportedly been kidnapped in Calabar almost daily, according to NAN.
The Nigerian Medical Association recently voted to cease its 40-day protest in response to the kidnapping of Professor Ekanem Ephraim, a neurologist who has been held captive for 115 days since July.
NMA chairman, Dr. Felix Archibong, said the state has become uninhabitable for citizens due to kidnappers. He added that the crisis poses dangers for investors and tourists planning to attend the carnival.
“This is the situation in the state, and it is regrettable that our colleague is still in captivity after 115 days,” said Dr. Archibong.
“We are trying so hard not to make industrial action another alternative to getting the government and security agencies to keep to their promises.”
The state Commissioner of Police, Gyogon Grimah, says suspects have been arrested, but more action is required to curb insecurity before the carnival in December.
By: Ugochi Chukwunezu
