Bassey Otu, the Governor of Cross River State, has expressed his readiness to implement the existing kidnapping law of the state, which calls for death by hanging as punishment. He made this statement during the swearing-in and assignment of ministries to 30 new commissioners on Wednesday.

The State is most commonly plagued by cultism, armed robbery, and kidnapping, constituting the primary criminal activities.

Over the span of five years, the Nigerian Medical Association reported that 14 of their doctors were abducted. Presently, Prof Ekanem Ephraim, a 64-year-old neurology consultant at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), has been held captive for more than 30 days.

In February 2023, Gertrude Njar, a female commissioner, was also abducted and spent more than 35 days in captivity before her release was secured through a substantial ransom payment.

The Governor, visibly enraged by the escalating insecurity, expressed his concern, stating, "I am particularly disturbed by the alarming rate of kidnappings and other criminal acts aimed at extorting ransoms, impeding lawful activities."

"We are fully committed to upholding the provisions of the 2016 Cross River State Kidnapping Prohibition Law," he continued. "This law stipulates severe penalties, including death by hanging for kidnappers and a 20-year imprisonment term for attempted kidnapping or abduction."

"My administration is resolute in its determination to rigorously enforce this law to eradicate criminal activities. I want to emphasize unequivocally that we've had enough of this situation. It must cease—today, not tomorrow. Our patience with this insecurity issue has run out."

The Governor, instructing law enforcement agencies to detain and bring to justice all criminal elements, also announced incentives for any valuable information that could help curtail the rising tide of crime and bring the culprits to justice.

"Let's take on the responsibility of safeguarding our beloved state, as these wrongdoers are not outsiders but individuals within our midst. We will institute rewards for whistle-blowing. If you suspect anyone in your vicinity, please provide the information, and your identity will be safeguarded," Otu affirmed.