BY: VITALIS UGOH, Calabar
As the issues of insecurity is fast spreading like wild fire across the country, the Chairman of Akpabuyo local government area of Cross River state, Hon. Emmanuel Offiong Bassey, has vowed to deal with the criminals as well as reduce it to the bearest minimum.
Bassey made the vow at the council headquarters in Ikot Nakanda while briefing all the traditional rulers in the area on what he intends to do to control the situation.
It would be recalled that there were reported cases of incidence of recent cult activities in the area where some youths “allegedly” took laws into their hands which left people dead while properties worth millions of Naira were destroyed.
He lamented the increase in kidnapping and cultism in the area, adding that “it is becoming too alarming and will affect the development of the entire council”.
Bassey therefore said that “as a responsible administration, we will not fold our hands and watch all these atrocities committed in a local government that is fast developing brought down by some group of people”.
Therefore, he said, “as part of the measures to curb these vices, we have commenced the formation of Vigilante Group in all the village in Akpabuyo.
He warned those who indulge in criminalities to desist, repent and denounce their membership or be ready to face the music.
Bassey noted that very soon the vigilante group would soon swing into action.
Earlier, the council chairman, has inaugurated an Advisory Committee, comprising of the Police, Civil Defense, DSS, and the SA Peace and Security in Akpabuyo Council.
Mr. Francis Edet will head the advisory committee.
He maintained that the council would soon launch “War Against kidnapping in Akpabuyo” (WAKA) and the inauguration of Akpabuyo vigilante group.
While appreciating the move made by the chairman to bring peace in the area, the village head of Esuk Ekpo Eyo, Chief Ekpenyong Ekpo Asuquo said “we will work with the vigilante group in the area to make sure that these group of people are completely wiped out from our communities.
He however pleaded with the state and local governments to do the needful whenever the need arises.
Also speaking, the village head of Akwa Esuk Eyamba, His Royal Highness, Etubom Kingsley Obo Offiong, thanked the Chairman for his efforts that will bring relative peace to the area.
He added, “we are solidly behind the council and will do our best to ensure that peace returns in our community”.
