Cross River government to take strong action against trespassers on school lands
On Friday, March 14, 2025, Barr. Gilbert Agbor, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Asset Management and Recovery, issued a stern warning to individuals illegally occupying lands belonging to government schools in Cross River State.
He called on these trespassers to vacate the properties or face forceful removal.
In a public statement released on March 13, the state government expressed concern over the increasing cases of land encroachment. A number of government school properties are currently under illegal occupation, including those belonging to the University of Cross River (UNICROSS, formerly CRUTECH), the 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), and Government Secondary School (GOVISCO), Ikom, among others.
“The government has directed all illegal occupants to vacate these lands immediately,” the statement read, emphasizing that “swift and decisive action” would be taken against anyone who refuses to comply, regardless of their status or influence in the state.
Governor Bassey Otu has given clear instructions for the immediate recovery of all state properties unlawfully seized by trespassers. Agbor reiterated the administration’s strong commitment to safeguarding government assets and preventing them from being misused for personal gain.
The state government has also called on the public to assist by providing any helpful information regarding the illegal occupation of government-owned lands. Informants are assured that their identities will remain confidential and they will be rewarded for credible information.
Residents are encouraged to report any illegal occupation to the Department of Asset Management and Recovery, Governor’s Office, Calabar.
