EXTRA: ‘Go about without fear’ — Cross River debunks male genital theft rumours in Calabar

The Cross River state government says rumours of missing male genitalia in the Calabar metropolis should be disregarded.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Erasmus Ekpang, the state’s commissioner for information, said the state police command has carried out an investigation into a complaint lodged by one Moses Edet Udo against Atim Inyang Jackson over a missing penis and found that it was untrue.

“The police command said after thorough investigation, it was confirmed that the complainant’s manhood was intact,” the statement reads.

“To clearly ascertain the veracity of the claim, the commissioner for information visited the Police Clinic, Akim, where the complainant was admitted to rest, and personally interacted with the victim to the indication that his genital organs were in their rightful positions.

“Against this backdrop, the government implores all residents and visitors alike to desist from peddling false rumours which is capable of causing disaffection amongst the citizenry.”

Ekpang added that as the tourism hub of the nation, it is imperative that the state government shoots down rumours of this kind before they assume lives of their own.

“The government of senator prince Bassey Edet Otu in her proactive nature has directed all segments of security agencies to deal decisively with rumour mongers and while those caught would be made to face the full wrath of the law,” the statement reads. 

“In the meantime, government hereby enjoins all residents and visitors to go about their normal businesses without any fear of molestation. 

“As the tourism hub of the country, the Governor Bassey Edet Otu-led administration further restates her commitment to protecting the lives and property of all citizens across the state.”