For some years, most villages in Ukanafun and Etim Ekpo local government areas of Akwa Ibom State were locked down as a result of cult war among some restive but aggrieved youths in the areas.
Consequently, the aggrieved caused mayhem that led to loss of lives and properties of innocent persons. Some persons were kidnapped and ransom paid; others killed; women raped; socio-economic activities zeroed in resulting in the villagers abandoning the crisis-torn areas to safer communities.
Though the militants later called aggrieved youths embraced peace, Governor Udom Emmanuel had announced the state government’s intention to resettle them to sustain peace and development of the affected areas.
As part of the resettlement programmes of the aggrieved youths, Governor Emmanuel has assured to establish Skills Acquisition Centre for them to learn trades and contribute meaningfully to the development of the society.
Emmanuel broke the news on Friday during the funeral service of a veteran broadcast journalist, Udeme Samuel Ekpenyong, elder brother to Udo Ekpenyong, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs at Ikot Oku Usung in Ukanafun local government area.
“I want to call on the youths that very soon the Skill Development Centre will be reconstructed for those we are rehabilitating out of Ukanafun and Etim Ekpo. Please, all of them promised me that I will not hear any issue in Ukanafun and Etim Ekpo; let me not hear any problem again,” the governor said.
He thanked the youths for embracing peace and cautioned that the long arm of the law would catch up with any youth or group attempting under any guise to breach the peace after the pardon.
Emmanuel, however, announced that his wife, Martha, is reconstructing 100 stalls in Akpan Assiek Market in Ukanafun to an ultra-modern one, lamenting that the crisis stalled development in the area.
According to him, “My wife had started the reconstruction of Urua Akpan Assiek for the women. I want to believe they will give peace a chance. We are going to make a minimum of 100 lock-up stalls for the women in that market including toilets and water. We are going to remodel that market that was burnt down by some aggrieved youths.”
Governor Emmanuel condoled with the Ekpenyong’s family, and prayed God to avert further affliction by preserving members of the family to full ripe age.
Governor Emmanuel who particularly consoled with Udo Ekpenyong, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, also an elder in the church described him as a dependable partner, praying God Almighty to grant the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the loss. He later announced N5 million to the church.
Preaching on the topic Come, follow Jesus and Allow the Dead to Bury the Dead, Umoh Umoh, of Delightful Christian Church International, Uyo, admonished Christians to emulate Jesus Christ and warned tagainst he dangers of rejecting salvation which could lead to spiritual death.
Umoh, a pastor in the church, said emulating Jesus Christ was an uphill task which comes with challenges a Christian must overcome, adding that “the cardinal objective of Christianity centres on living an exemplary life as Judgment Day awaits every person.”
The 71-year-old Sammy Ekpenyong had worked in Nigerian Television Authority, before he resigned to establish and become independent producer for Entertainment Broadcasting Network, EBN.
