Insecurity: Akpabio upcondemns attack on police check-point, commiserates with family of slain inspector, donates 3 motorcycles to police
…It’s “no retreat no surrender” – Council Chairman declares
…We are not intimidated – Area Commander
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Hon Prince Ukpong Akpabio 11 has condemned the attack on Police Check-Point at Ikpe Annang Junction in Essien Udim which claimed the life of a police inspector.
The Commissioner who stated this when he paid condolence and solidarity visit to Essien Udim Local Government Council Chairman, Mr Anthony Luke, at the Council secretariat on Tuesday, 23rd February, 2021 commiserated with the family of the slain police officer and the Nigeria Police in general over their loss.
Akpabio noted that the State Government is commited to the security of lives and property of Akwa Ibom people as he assured the Chairman of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s support to compliment his efforts in making the area safe for all residents and visitors.
He added that the Chairman has demonstrated sincere commitments and courage in tackling insecurity in the area since his assumption of office, pointing out that the incidence is a mere distraction and urged him to redouble his efforts in securing his people.
While pledging his support to the Council and security agencies in finding out the perpetrators of the act, Prince Akpabio charged the Council Chairman not relent in his quest to flush out criminal elements in the area.
“I trust the Chairman’s capacity and his security architecture in the area to investigate the matter and bring the culprits to book. I will support him and I will stand by him to ensure justice is done to the family and Nigeria Police,” he assured
Akpabio called on the people to give police useful information that will help them track down and arrest the suspects, noting that security is the responsibility of all citizens.
In his response, the Essien Udim Local Government Council Chairman, Mr Anthony Luke thanked the Commissioner, whom he described as a friend and brother, for the show of love and solidarity to the council and for identifying with them in their moment of grief.
The Chairman, who described the incident as unfortunate, barbaric and heartless, said that he is not perturbed by such action by the hoodlums and declared a “no retreat no surrender” in his fight against insecurity and criminalities in the area.
Luke, who also vowed to bring the culprits to book, counted on the support of the State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel and security agencies to succeed as he is not distracted in anyway in ensuring that the people of Essien Udim can go about their normal duties without any fear of intimidation by armed robbers and common thieves.
“I can assure you that the Egyptians you see today, you shall see them no more. All hands are on deck to fish out the criminals. The security agencies have been mobilised and we are ready to take the war to the criminals wherever they are hiding.
“Essien Udim people cannot afford to live in fear under my administration. We will do our best to restore peace and tranquility to the area,” Luke stated.
The Commissioner also visited the Essien Udim Divisional Police Station and Area Commander at Ikot Ekpene where he commiserated with the police for their loss of personnel and property and donated three motorcycles and some cash support to the area command for logistics.
The Area Commander, Mr Nasiru Bello who described the Commissioner and the Chairman’s visit as morale booster said the police is encouraged and motivated by their present and assured that they are not intimidated by the attack, which according to him is one of the hazards of their work.
The Essien Udim Divisional Police Officer, SP Udofia O who expressed delight for the visit thanked the Commissioner for his concern and solidarity to the police force.
He acknowledged the earlier donations of a borehole and two motorcycles by the Chairman and described the support from the Anthony Luke’s administration as overwhelming and unprecedented.
While positing that the Chairman has done what no local government chairman has done before for the police, Udofia assured that the police will restrategised to ensure that the area is well secured and free from criminal elements.
