Cross River State Governor, Bassey Out, has announced the cancellation of the 2025 Agbokim Waterfalls Green Marathon. He cited mounting security concerns nationwide.
In a statement he personally signed and posted on Facebook, the Governor said that, “after a careful review of the prevailing security situation across the country,” he has directed that the race be called off.
The governor said the decision “was not an easy one, especially considering the passion, planning, and anticipation…but the safety of our people, our athletes, and our visitors must always come first.”
He expressed regret for any inconvenience to organisers, partners, and participants.”
The cancellation happens in the midst of heightened poor security situation in Nigeria. A recent attack on a church in Eruku town in Kwara State resulted in at least two deaths and the abduction of the pastor and several worshippers, and the kidnapping of school girls in Kebbi State has forced the Federal Government raised security concerns in the country. And just as the Governor was announcing the cancellation, 52 pupils got abducted by terrorists from St Mary’s Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, Niger State.
Governor Out, however, in his statement announcing the cancellation of the marathon, did not cite any specific intelligence report.
The inaugural edition of the full-marathon (42 km) was held on 23 November 2024, and involved a route starting from Ikom, through Last–Motor/Mission Junction, Ajassor, and terminating at Agbokim Waterfalls.
The organisers said the race included a 42.195km “full” marathon category, a 21km half marathon category, and a 5km fun run, the Nation newspaper reported.
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