The Nigeria Union of Journalists  Cross River Council has decried the rising cases of kidnapping and other criminal activities in Calabar and environs.

The union said this on Thursday in a communiqué signed by the Chairman, Mr. Victor Udu at the end of its   February Congress in Calabar.

It urged the various security agencies in the state to redouble their efforts in order to ensure adequate protection of the lives and property of citizens.

The union also called on the state government to live up to its constitutional responsibility of ensuring the safety of the lives of its citizens.

“The congress expresses deep concern at the increasing rate of kidnapping and other criminal activities in Calabar metropolis and called on the state government to step up efforts to ensure the protection of lives and property of citizens as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The congress also called on the security agencies in the state to live up to their expectations as well as to conduct a self-cleansing of their personnel to weed out those who compromise the security architecture of the state for selfish gains,” NUJ said.

The union, however, expressed dismay at the continuous scarcity of potable water supply in Calabar and its environs.

It called on the State Water Board to do everything possible to restore water to the city.

“Calabar cannot attain the desired environmental cleanliness without regular potable water supply for use by the people,” the NUJ added.

The union also urged the state government through the relevant ministry to start work on filling potholes to end traffic congestion and alleviate the hardship faced by motorists.

NAN