Cross River Government Cracks Down on Illegal Occupation of Public Lands
By Kingsley Agim
The Cross River State Government has issued a stern ultimatum to individuals and entities unlawfully occupying lands belonging to state-owned educational institutions, vowing to take decisive action against defaulters.
In a statement dated March 13, 2025, Barr. Gilbert Agbor, Special Adviser to the Governor on Asset Management and Recovery, decried the rampant encroachment on public lands, warning that those responsible would face severe consequences.
Among the affected institutions are: University of Cross River (UNICROSS) (formerly CRUTECH); University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa (formerly College of Education); Government College, Ikot Ansa (formerly TTC Calabar); Government Secondary School, Obio-Asim, Odukpani; Girls’ Secondary School, Ugep; Government Technical College, Obubra (formerly Government Senior Science College); Government Secondary School (GOVISCO), Ikom.
The statement further revealed that several other institutions statewide have also fallen victim to unlawful occupation.
The statement ordered all illegal occupants of government lands to vacate immediately, emphasizing that no individual or group, regardless of influence or status, will be exempt from enforcement actions.
“Governor Bassey Otu has directed the immediate reclamation of all unlawfully acquired state properties, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding public assets and preventing their exploitation for personal gain,” the statement read.
The government also called on concerned citizens to provide credible intelligence that could aid in the recovery of encroached state-owned assets. It assured informants of strict confidentiality and the possibility of appropriate rewards for valuable information.
Furthermore, government encouraged the public to report instances of unauthorized occupation of state-owned property to the Department of Asset Management and Recovery, Governor’s Office, Calabar.
