By Jonathan Ugbal
The Cross River chapter of the Child Protection Network, CPN, has called on Governor Benedict Ayade and law enforcement agents to do the needful in ensuring the release of the kidnapped Commissioner for Women Affairs in the State, Surveyor Gertrude Njar who was abducted three days ago in Mbukpa, Calabar South Local Government Area.
A statement signed by the Chairman, CPN, Comrade Kebe Ikpi said the kidnap is a very sad event that “should never have happened,” and condemned the abduction of citizens, whether by criminals or politically motivated.
The Ministry of Women’s Affairs houses the secretariat of the CPN. The Ministry is a network partner with the Commissioner and staff involved in many cases handled by the network.
“The state of security in our State has been of great concern to all citizens. If government officials are not safe, who then is safe?” queried the network.
“The children and good people of Cross River State, call for the immediate and unconditional release of Prof. Njar. She occupies a very important role in the prevention of violence against children and should be allowed to return to her desk.
“I appeal to the Governor to do all within his power to secure the release of a mother of Cross River children. The security agencies should step up their work to secure her release and protect all citizens from being attacked by these criminals,” the statement added.