The Cross River Government says reports by some online news portals claiming that the Government House in Calabar was invaded by militants is incorrect.

A statement on Saturday by Mr Christian Ita, the Special Assistant on Media and Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Ben Ayade, described the reports as “misleading and a sad demonstration of ethical bankruptcy’’.

It stated: “The report is a regrettable sensationalisation of a peaceful protest by some ex-militants over their three months unpaid allowances by the Federal Government.

“The ex-militants were not armed and so could not have invaded the Government House. Rather, they were very civil in their conduct.

“They sought an audience with the officials of the state government whom they hoped would take their message to Abuja.

“Once attended to, they peacefully dispersed. So, it beats one’s imagination that such a peaceful and innocuous protest would be reported as an invasion of the Government House.

“More ludicrous is the claim that the deputy governor was held hostage. No such thing happened.

“Cross River remains the safest state in the country,” the statement said.

It also urged the media to refrain from unnecessary sensationalism so as not to cause panic among members of the public. (NAN)

•Photo shows Governor Ayade.