Itoro BASSEY
Lawmakers in Akwa Ibom State have lamented the level of crime and criminality many residents have suffered in some areas of the state and have requested the Nigeria Police to create more police posts in order to strengthen security.
Chairman of the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly Committee on Security, Youth and Sports, Victor Udofia, who, together with members of his committee, visited Donald Awunah, the new commissioner of police recently deployed to the state, Thursday, said suspected criminals have seized the opportunity of the absence of police stations in some areas to carry out their nefarious activities.
Udofia said his committee's visit to the police followed a motion bothering on security concerns which was brought before the house of assembly by Uduak Odudoh, the member representing Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo.
He said, "There was a police post which existed in his (Odudoh) constituency, and for whatever reason it has been shut down for a very long time. Since there are no policemen there, when crime is committed; victims are brought and kept hostage in that area.
“When the matter was brought before the House, it was referred to the committee on security, youth and sports. And while we were still assessing the situation, we noticed that other local government areas have similar problems, hence the need for us to collaborate with the police to address the situation".
Udofia appealed to the police to urgently consider revamping dilapidated police posts in the state, while putting machinery in motion for the creation of new ones.
He assured that the House will liaise with relevant agencies of government to provide necessary logistics to the police to quicken the process.
Also speaking at the visit, the member representing Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo in the House, Uduak Odudoh, noted that Ikot Abasi has five clans with only one police division, a situation he said could not address adequately the security needs of over 2000 inhabitants of the area.
He appealed for speedy action on the matter, given the fact that Ikot Abasi hosts the Ibom Power Plant, Aluminum Smelter Company (ALSCOM) and other government and private investments.
In his response, the state police commissioner, Donald Awunah, who noted that Odudoh's motion was in order, assured that the police will make assessment of the affected areas and act accordingly.
Awunah, who resumed duty on Monday as the 21st commissioner of police to the state said. "I promise you that the Nigeria Police in Akwa Ibom State will do all its best to ensure that the services of the police reach the people through police posts and stations".
Other lawmakers at the occasion include the chief whip of the House/member representing Ini, Emmanuel Ekpenyong, and the member representing Nsit Atai, Mark Esset.
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