The troubling security situation climaxed by persistent killings, kidnappings and arson in Ukanafun local government area of Akwa Ibom State has continued to generate more condemnations and scathing remarks from most members of the public in the state.
Venting anger on a privately owned radio station, Planet 101.1 FM, Uyo, some callers wondered the reason the insecurity is continuing despite the presence of policemen and other security operatives in the area.
Speaking Monday under the radio’s programme tagged “The People’s Parliament”, a caller from Ikot Udo Obobo in the area reported that his poultry had been burgled by the hoodlums, rendering him and his family penniless.
Another caller from Ikot Akpa Nkuk in the area said his shop was razed by unknown arsonists, arguing that it was unfortunate that some politicians were keeping quiet only to come out and canvass for votes. In addition, he said the armoured cable at the headquarters has been severed by the hoodlums leading to blackout in the area.
“Mr. speaker, our people are living in penury. The area looks like a ghost town. The “boys” have taken over the area. The economy is in shambles.Some of our young girls are taken captive by the hoodlums. The place is really in a big mess.”
One caller reported that some of the suspected kidnappers who fled the area during the time security operatives were “combing” for them have returned home to perpetrate more havoc on the people, thus helping to dip the economy of the area.
According to him, “They go about pasting notices in people’s houses on the exact ransom that should be paid to them. In some compounds, they paste N1 million while others are asked to pay N500,000 to them (hoodlums).
“Failure to pay the ransoms within the said time attracts instant death. Many have fled the area, while those stay around are killed for failure to pay the ransom within the specified time frame.”
One caller queried why Governor Udom Emmanuel who is collecting huge security vote is unable to stem the tide of insecurity in Ukanafun that has consumed many lives and rendered the place desolate.
“If our people are asked to embrace dakkada spirit, yet some hoodlums are destroying the entrepreneurial efforts of other people. Why would hoodlums destroy the poultry farm of an individual who struggling to put food on his table and boost the economy of the area?
Another caller condemned inertia of some people towards the plights of Ukanafun people. ”Based on the disturbing reports from Ukanafun, the insecurity of the area is not yet over. The thought that normalcy has returned to the area is still a mirage.”
He lent his voice to clarion calls by some patriotic persons calling for the establishment of state police by the state government to help in arresting various skirmishes and security infractions in different local government areas including Ukanafun.
One caller said when there are crises in other countries, the Nigerian policemen are sent to quell such, expressing anger why the operatives are unable to do same in Ukanafun.
Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports have it that some security operatives sent to quell the killings, arson and kidnappings in the area have taken undue advantage of the adverse situation by feasting on some stray domestic animals and birds caused by the exodus of their owners to other local government areas.
A policeman (name withheld) who was posted to assist in restoring peace and order in the area confided in Straightnews that even some randy security operatives in the area prey on some married women since their husbands had fled owing to their inability to pay the ransoms to the hoodlums.
