Go after kidnappers, cultists, Gov Emmanuel charges new A/Ibom CP

Worried by the menace of cultism, kidnapping and other crimes plaguing Akwa Ibom State, Governor Udom Emmanuel has charged the new state Commissioner of Police, Donald Awunah, to take the battle to the criminals in their hideouts.

The governor, who underscored the importance of security to the development of the state and the wellbeing of the people, said it was time a holistic action plan was taken against the scourge.

Governor Emmanuel, who formally introduced the new police commissioner at the monthly prayer meeting at the Government House, Uyo, warned perpetrators of crimes in the state that “there is no hiding place for you.

“If you like, go into the most remote part of this state or anywhere, security agents will fish you out,” he added, asking Awunah to work with other security agencies to dislodge cultists and kidnappers in their dens.

He said his administration was committed to implementing key policies and programmes including industrialisation, infrastructural development, human empowerment and job creation as enunciated by his pre-election agenda, noting that such goals could only be attained in an atmosphere of peace.

The governor’s anger, Metro gathered, stemmed from the recent violent siege orchestrated by cultists and kidnappers in some local government areas, especially the eight local government areas of Ikot Ekpene senatorial district.

For instance, over 30 persons had been reported killed in cult-related crises in Etim Ekpo, Ukanafun, Oruk Anam and Ikot Ekpene, while some others, including a Roman Catholic priest, were abducted.

Buoyed by this, the CP said he had mobilised teams of security operatives to restore calm in the troubled areas of Etim Ekpo, Ukanafun and other communities in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District.