Tackling kidnapping in Akwa Ibom
By Umoren -
Sunday, February 01, 2009
One problem that has given the nation sleepless nights, in recent times, has been the vexing issue of kidnapping. Once, it was a method used by those in genuine struggle to the development of the Niger Delta; but not any more. Suddenly, kidnapping has become an advanced form of robbery!
Today, when a father refuses a son’s unreasonable request for money, there must be a “kidnapping” involving a member of that family, shortly after.
When a brother disagrees with a brother over land matters, there must be a “kidnapping”. Cult rivalry and gang supremacy soon ends in “kidnapping”. Suddenly, Nigeria has become one kidnapping ring!
In that kind of scenario, it is no surprise that some state hitherto free of the obnoxious activities of the so-called kidnappers are now being invaded. One of such states is Akwa Ibom State, where criminals from neighbouring states are said to be perpetrating evil. Sometimes, according to reports, they come in form of armed robbers; sometimes, in form of kidnappers. And there is the possibility of “political kidnapping”; just to settle scores!
However, the commendable measures adopted by the state to check the rising tide of crime in the state is what other states need to emulate.
Beyond mere blowing of heat, Governor Godswill Akpabio seems to have quietly set some effective traps for criminals, particularly “kidnappers” straying into his state. And one is not just talking about ‘Operation Aduma’, which recently gallantly foiled kidnapping attempt in Eket, against some ExxonMobil staff. They also outwitted a “kidnap” gang recently when they attempted to abduct a schoolgirl. Truly, the government has not just equipped the security agencies, but has also prepared the people against the evil called kidnapping!
Americans have a saying that “the mind is a terrible thing to waste”. Akpabio, building on that known fact, has boosted the psyche of Akwa Ibom people, known nationally for their love for peace. Today, they have formed one large people’s army to fight kidnapping in the state. A case in point is the recent reported “revolution” against some people suspected to be aiding kidnappers in Uruan Local Government. The youths, according to reports, in an expression of anger against, went on rampage, destroying homes of some villagers for allegedly refusing to report the suspicious movements of the suspected kidnappers to the authorities.
Subsequently, the state government deposed the village head for allegedly harbouring some of the suspected kidnappers. Specifically, Chief Effiong Bassey Udo of Nturukpum in Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State reportedly allowed some boys to use his base for kidnapping activities. For that, the government withdrew his certificate and ordered his arrest. The entire Village Council was also dissolved. A government statement said: “This is one of the several ways we have adopted to checkmate the involvement and use of our communities for criminal activities”.
Before then, it was gathered, a suspected kingpin, Efiok Asuquo Ibok, was said to have fled with gunshot wounds. In a swift operation, the Joint Task Force code-named ‘Operation Aduma’ had trailed Ibok and his gang to a hideout in Uruan, shortly after they allegedly abducted a Romanian woman. In an ensuing shootout, Ibok had reportedly escaped, while some of his boys were arrested. An AK47 and a locally made Riffle were recovered with about 228 rounds of ammunition.
The victim was rescued unhurt in yet another commendable truncated kidnapping attempt, following high level intelligence and surveillance!
The incident sent a strong signal that Akwa Ibom government means business when it says the state is unsafe for criminals. A few days earlier, some other suspected leaders of kidnappers in Okon Community, near Eket, after a raid in their hideout. The suspects, former Councillor Sam Ibok and Victor Emah, are currently telling the police what they know about the allegations.
Deposing a village head has sent jitters down the spine of traditional fathers and community leaders. And the state government says it would not hesitate to deal with any other person found to be aiding crime in the state. It has also announced an offer of, at least, N1 million reward for information leading to arrest of suspected kidnappers. So far, over 60 suspected kidnappers are said to be cooling off in the police net.
Recently, Governor Godswill Akpabio had signed the Child Rights Act, part of which outlawed kidnapping in the state. In fact, as part of the efforts to check the trend of kidnapping, the law stipulates that any building used by kidnappers to hide a hostage should be pulled down.
The various measures put together by the Akpabio-led government has created enormous consciousness in the people such that kidnappers are getting more uncomfortable in the state. Soon, there would be no hiding place for them as the local readily volunteer information that could lead to the arrest of the criminals. For instance, it was the consciousness in the people of Uruan that informed them leading a delegation to Government House, Uyo, to dissociate themselves from the activities of the suspected kidnappers in their domain.
It is a fact that there is no society without crime. But how any government rises to the challenge of checking the tide of criminal activities in its domain is what marks it for commendation. So far, Akwa Ibom State government is a living example in that regard!
Umoren wrote in from Uyo.
