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From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Calabar, Cross River State is facing a crisis of monumental proportion.
The Calabar office, meant to be a symbol of security and stability, has been left to crumble, with infrastructure so dilapidated it’s become a hazard to those who work there.
Investigation reveals a shocking tale of neglect, abandonment, and decay, arising from a heavy windstorm that damaged the roof of the magnificent office in April last year.
The windstorm not only damaged the NSCDC roof but other buildings around the area. But that of the NSCDC is significant because of its sensitive role in the security ecosystem of the society.
Following the windstorm, a large section of the rooftop was destroyed and this exposed many personnel serving there to not just the elements of the weather but a grave danger to personnel serving there.
Many officers have had to relocate to makeshift spaces within the complex, including the office of the State Commandant.
Many other offices within the complex are now in a state of decay and with the impending rains this year, the situation is set to get worse.
Damaged roofs, ripped off zinc, cracked walls, damaged furniture, crumbling walls, and abandoned offices now describe the present state of the sprawling edifice.
Former State Commandant, Chris Brown operated from a makeshift office following the storm, just like the present State Commandant, Eke Okarazu.
During a recent interview, Commandant Okarazu said many personnel have no offices and they are scared that with the impending rains, the building might start falling down.
“As you can see, I was disillusioned when I first came here. Many personnel have no offices, even where I stay presently is not my office: I displaced other personnel.
“We hope something will be done within the shortest possible time because by the time we enter the next raining season, you can imagine what the place will look like.
“It’s dilapidated to the point that we are scared the building might start falling down”, he said.
He, however, expressed hope that following a courtesy visit to the governor, the situation will change in due course as the state governor had promised to intervene in the present crisis facing the state command.
Prior to the damage, the state government has given the edifice a substantial facelift by usinging the NSCDC premises with asphalt to improve accessibility to the premises.
