…….read riot act
By Ubong Sampson – Uyo
Repented militants in Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have shown commitment to their new path of peace by pledging to work with security agencies in ensuring security of lives and properties in the area.
In a meeting that had “peace sustainability” as agenda, one of the indigens, Innocent Monday said the purpose of the meeting was to announce the setting up of a network formed by the ex militants for the purpose of to aid the efforts of the security agencies in ensuring that the currently witnessed peace in the area is sustained.
Monday assured that going forward, such vices like vandalism, robbery, kidnapping, among others which the area was previously famous for, will remain in the past, as acts of criminality will be placed on check, while warning that defaulters of the new order will be handed to security agencies to face the law.
He further warned against conspiracy within the fold, while appealing to the state government that public facilities such as the general hospital, access roads, factories, among others, should be revived to functionality to create employment opportunities and boost the economy of the local government.
On his part, Aniedi Okon, popularly known as “Spiro” hinted that the network known as the “Apex Action Group had already commenced operations and as well recorded some successes, citing an event where the group assisted security operatives in the arrest of some youths and a native doctor who he said, “conspired against peace in one Ikot Akpa Ntuen village”, after which, normalcy was returned to the town.
While vowing that who ever is caught in same or similar offences will be fetched out, irrespective of the potical forces backing them, Okon further warned that anyone caught must face the wrath of the law, as they are willing to operate under the supervision of security agencies as they had signed during their orientation course with the agencies.
Also speaking, Ubong Jonah, while appreciating the officers of the Department of State Services (DSS) for honouring their invitation to witness and observe the meeting, used the medium to appeal to all the repented militiants to play contributive roles in maintaining the clean record they had pledged during the amnesty programme.
Jonah further appealed to the state government to speed up actions towards having them engaged in meaningful and rewarding economic ventures as promised, to enable them carter for their families without distraction in their new pursuit for a peaceful area.
