Essien Udim crisis: Akpabio brings succour to displaced persons, commends Council Chairman’s commitment to security of lives, property
In his bid to give succour to persons displaced by the Essien Udim crisis, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Barr Prince Ukpong Akpabio has donated foodstuffs to the IDPs with assurance to stand by them in their tavails.
Prince Akpabio who gave the assurrance while addressing the IDPs at St Anne’s Catholic Catheral Ifuho, Ikot Ekpene said the gesture was to ameliorate their suffering at the moment and promised them free medical care especially for the aged who were traumatised by the incident.
The Commissioner commended the Essien Udim Council boss, Mr. Anthony Luke for standing by the people and given them the necessary support, adding that the chairman has shown true democratic leadership since his assumption of office as the executive chairman of the area.
He lauded the people for being law-abiding even with the pains inflicted on them due to the recent unslaught between security agents and bandits in the area.
While lamenting the destructive and inhuman activities of some hoodlums who claimed to be Biafran zionists, the Commissioner described as regrettable the displacement, destruction of property and killing of innocent and law-abiding citizens especially security personal in their recent unprovoked and cordinated attacks in the area.
According to him, Essien Udim is not part of Biafran acclaimed territory and so they should leave the area as they cannot force people to believe their destructive ideologies.
In his remarks, the Essien Udim Council Chairman, Mr Anthony Luke thanked the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Prince Ukpong Akpabio for the visit and his kind gestures to his people in their challenging moments.
The Chairman described what has befallen the people as unfortunate, adding that “Essien Ukana” is one of the most peaceful communities in the area and so does not deserve such pains and agony they are currently facing.
Luke pleaded with the people to continue to cooperate and bear with governments as they are doing everything possible to ensure that the hoodlums are flushed out and sanity restored while assuring that it will not take long before they return home for their normal lives.
He admonished them to trust in God and in government to take care of them within this time of needs and charged the IDPs not to contemplate taking their lives.
Some itmes presented to the IDP’s were garri and beans.
In his message of appreciation, a former two times Chairman, Essien Udim Transition Committee, Mr John Udo Ekanem thanked the Chairman, Essien Udim Local Government Council, Mr Anthony Luke for standing by the people of Atan Ikot Akpan and other 12 villages affected by the recent crisis in the area and also expressed gratitude to the Commissioner for his kind gestures.
Ekanem solicited the continuous support from public spirited individuals to assist the displaced persons, stressing that the suffering is too much for the people.
He traced the genesis of the crisis to 2017, noting that he raised alarm then about the activities of some elements in the area who claimed to be Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) but the matter was handle with kid gloves by the security agencies till it is now escalating to a serious crisis.
He poured encomiums on Mr Anthony Luke for remaining resolute in ensuring that the hoodlums are flushed out of the communities in Essien Udim.
