Cross River Government Moves to Reclaim Encroached UNICROSS Land, Investigates Missing Assets
By Ebi COLLINS
The Cross River State Government has pledged to reclaim encroached land at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) and investigate allegations of asset mismanagement. Acting on the directives of Governor Bassey Otu, a high-profile delegation led by the Special Adviser on Asset Management and Recovery, Barrister Gilbert Agbor, conducted an inspection of the university’s property.
The assessment revealed large-scale unauthorized encroachment on UNICROSS land, raising concerns about the institution’s ability to expand in the future. Barrister Agbor described the situation as disturbing and assured that legal measures would be taken to recover the land.
“What we have seen here is extremely concerning. The level of encroachment on UNICROSS land is massive and unacceptable. This university’s future is at stake, and we will do everything within the law to recover the land,” Agbor stated.
Beyond the land encroachment, the government team also investigated claims that the previous university council had engaged in the unauthorized sale of valuable assets. Initial findings confirmed the disappearance of key government properties, including vehicles, a 570 KVA generator, and the university’s Student Union Government (SUG) bus.
“We have gone through the records, and the assets listed in the petitions cannot be found. The generator is missing, and so are several vehicles. These findings suggest serious financial misconduct, and we are determined to uncover the full extent of these irregularities,” Agbor stated.
A full-scale investigation has been launched, and the government has assured that no individual involved in the mismanagement—regardless of their position—will be spared.
To prevent further encroachment, the state government has ordered the closure of the main access road leading to the illegally developed areas, effectively halting all construction activities. Plans are also underway to legally evict illegal occupants and prevent future unauthorized land sales.
“We will follow due process in evicting illegal occupants from UNICROSS land. Additionally, we are recommending the immediate construction of a perimeter fence and new road networks in vulnerable areas to prevent further encroachments,” Agbor emphasized.
He further warned that those responsible for selling government land illegally would face prosecution. “No one has the right to sell what they do not own. Those found guilty will be identified and brought to justice. The government is committed to restoring UNICROSS’s land and preventing future occurrences of this kind,” he added.
Speaking on the issue, the Vice-Chancellor of UNICROSS, Prof. Francisca Bassey, expressed deep concern over the land encroachment and reiterated that addressing it had been a top priority since assuming office. She revealed that she had engaged traditional leaders, including the Muri Munene of Calabar South and his council, to seek their intervention in stopping further illegal land sales and reclaiming university property.
“This is a major burden for the university. When UNICROSS was established, it was designed for a much smaller student population. Today, our student population has increased significantly, yet we are losing land instead of expanding. This is unacceptable,” she stated.
Prof. Bassey stressed the urgent need for additional land to develop modern educational facilities, particularly in technology and innovation, to ensure UNICROSS remains competitive on a global scale.
“We must equip our students to compete with their counterparts globally. Without the necessary land for expansion, this vision will be difficult to achieve,” she added.
Regarding reports that some university staff might have been complicit in the illegal sales of land and assets, Prof. Bassey expressed disappointment but maintained that justice must prevail.
“It is heartbreaking to think that some staff members could contribute to the challenges we are working to resolve. However, the law is no respecter of persons. If any staff members are found guilty, they will face the full consequences of their actions,” she asserted.
The Economic Adviser to the Governor, Prof. Peter Oti, highlighted the broader economic implications of land encroachment, illegal asset sales, and abandoned projects.
“Encroachment is not just a university problem; it has wider economic consequences for the state. The unlawful sale of government property and abandonment of key projects hinder economic development. We must correct these irregularities to safeguard the state’s future,” Prof. Oti said.
He reaffirmed the asset recovery team’s commitment to ensuring that all government-owned properties are properly managed and protected from unlawful acquisition.
The Cross River State Government has reassured the public that all individuals or organizations found guilty of illegal land sales or asset mismanagement will face legal action.
The assessment visit concluded with inspections of encroached lands and other areas to ascertain the alleged illegal sale of government assets.
