Terrorism, Kidnapping, Militancy Challenges  Worry A’Ibom Speaker

Okon Bassey in Uyo

The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Udeme Otong, has stressed the need for all hands to be on deck to tackle terrorism, which is a threat to national security, peace and development of the country.

Otong said that threats to the nation’s security have become a major issue of public and security concern given the rage of kidnapping, militancy and herders attack on citizens.

The honourable speaker, who spoke with Journalists in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, reminded leaders in the country of their responsibility to provide necessary and adequate security for the safety and protection of lives of the citizens.

He noted that recently, members of National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) from Akwa Ibom State who were on their way to Sokoto State for their service year were abducted in Gasau, Zamfara State.

He noted that the issue of insecurity in the country is worse than famine given the physical trauma, torture and pains victims experience during an encounter with their attackers.

Otong, while calling on the presidency, National Assembly, security agencies and good citizens of the country to rise to the challenge of insecurity, which he said has claimed so many innocent citizens’ lives, expressed shock over the long lasting issue of terrorism without proactive measures to combat the crime.

 He, however, expressed optimism that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would suppress terrorism in the country in order to restore a safe- habitable society for peace and development to thrive for the betterment of the citizens.