The Cross River State government has warned individuals encroaching on state-owned land to vacate immediately, as it is now committed to reclaiming such property across the state.

A strong warning was issued specifically to individuals and groups unlawfully occupying land belonging to state-owned educational institutions.

 This was stated by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Asset Management and Recovery, Gilbert Agbor, in a statement made available to journalists in Calabar on Friday.

 The government condemned the increasing cases of land encroachment affecting several schools, including the University of Cross River (UNICROSS), formerly CRUTECH, and the University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa.

Other affected institutions include Government College, Ikot Ansa; Government Secondary School, Obio-Asim, Odukpani; Girls’ Secondary School, Ugep; and Government Technical College, Obubra. Government Secondary School (GOVISCO), Ikom, and several other institutions across the state have also been impacted by illegal occupation.

Mr Agbor said, “The government has directed all illegal occupants to vacate the lands immediately. Swift and decisive action will be taken against defaulters, regardless of their status or influence. Governor Bassey Otu has ordered the immediate recovery of state property unlawfully taken over. His administration remains committed to protecting government assets from misuse.’’

He urged the public to provide useful information that could assist in recovering the assets, assuring informants of confidentiality and appropriate rewards for credible intelligence.

 Also, members of the public were encouraged to report illegal occupation of government property to the Department of Asset Management and Recovery at the Governor’s Office. 

(NAN)