The Special Adviser to the Cross River State Governor on Religious Affairs, Apostle Frank Umo, has called on religious leaders and faith-based organizations to strengthen collaboration with government and security agencies in promoting peace, unity, and security across the state.
Addressing journalists on the sidelines of the Cross River State Security Summit 2026, themed “Cross River Unites Against Terror,” held on Thursday at the Pearl Ballroom, Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar, Apostle Frank Umo described the summit as a timely initiative aimed at fostering collective action against terrorism and other emerging security threats.
He commended the Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu for prioritizing security under the People First administration, noting that the government’s investments in security and inter-agency collaboration have contributed significantly to the relative peace being enjoyed across the state.
Apostle Umo said the Church and other faith-based institutions must continue to serve as moral compasses by preaching peace, unity, forgiveness, and respect for the sanctity of life. He urged religious leaders to work closely with security agencies by encouraging vigilance and providing credible information capable of preventing crime and violent extremism.
Earlier, Governor Senator Prince Bassey Otu, represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, described security as the foundation of sustainable development and called on all stakeholders to unite against terrorism and other criminal activities. He commended security agencies for their sacrifices in restoring peace across the state and urged them to sustain their professionalism, collaboration, and commitment to protecting lives and property.
In his keynote address, the Director of the State Security Service (SSS), Cross River State Command, Mr. Oluwole Faluyi, described the “Unite Against Terror” campaign as a collective call to action, stressing that lasting peace cannot be achieved by security agencies alone. He urged residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with lawful authorities, and embrace community participation as a vital tool in preventing security threats.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Content Development and Archiving and Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Ms. Beatrice Akpala, described the summit as a historic platform for renewing the partnership between government and citizens in safeguarding lives and preserving peace. She emphasized that sustained security requires intelligence sharing, collaboration, and the active participation of every segment of society.
Apostle Umo expressed confidence that the resolutions adopted at the summit would strengthen the state’s security architecture and deepen collaboration among government, security agencies, faith-based organizations, and citizens in building a safer and more peaceful Cross River State.
