Urgent Need to Curb the Escalating Insecurity in Akwa Ibom State

By Anietie Amos

In recent weeks, Akwa Ibom State has witnessed a disturbing surge of insecurity, marked by a string of violent incidents that have left residents gripped by fear and uncertainty.

From the emergence of cars without plate numbers to increased armed robbery to the discovery of mutilated bodies and rampant abductions, the state's once serene atmosphere has been shattered, laying bare the failure of governance and the dire consequences for its people.

The introduction of the Ibom Community Watch security outfit, ostensibly aimed at bolstering safety, has proven to be little more than a hollow exercise. Despite its grand inauguration, it has faltered in its primary mandate, leaving the citizens vulnerable to the predations of criminals who operate with brazen impunity. What was promised as a shield against threats has, in reality, become a mere ornament of political expediency, failing to stem the tide of violence sweeping across the state.

In an interaction with some AkwaIbomies, this writer discovered that the people have been living in constant fear for their lives as the surge of insecurity persists, since the inauguration of the Governor Umo Eno's administration.

"We thought that the Ibom Community Watch will help us in terms of security but we didn't know it was just a political avenue to divert money. So far, the initiative has not helped in any way," observed one activist, who gave his name as Mike Mkpandiok.

"Since Umo Eno was sworn into office, the peace that was once recorded in the State has become a mirage. We no longer close our eyes while sleeping because of fear" Ekerette Okon, a civil servant, lamented to news men on the insecurity in the State.

"The worst thing is that the governor seems not to be bothered about our fate. Every night, gunshots are heard everywhere in the environment, people are being killed and abducted on a daily basis now in our State " he added.

However, the governor recently assured the citizens of safety. “We will stop at nothing to ensure the safety of our people. We are drawing up a new security architecture for the state and in the next few months, you will see the results and how serious we are.
“ So if criminals believe that Akwa Ibom State is a place for them to hibernate, I am warning them now that they will find this state too hot for them to stay. We have credible intelligence that some in our society, those living among us, are giving support, aid and comfort to these criminal elements just to upturn the peace in our state and use it as a narrative”, he said.

But, his words are yet to translate to any impact, as two persons were reportedly kidnapped in Eket on Wednesday (Jan 31, 2024) night, while someone was reportedly killed at Afaha Ube/Enen Afaha axis of Uyo.

One of the most chilling manifestations of this insecurity is the spate of abductions that have plagued Akwa Ibom. The recent kidnapping at Me Lounge stands as a stark reminder of the perils faced by ordinary citizens going about their daily lives. Yet, despite the glaring urgency of the situation, the government's response has been marked by a deafening silence, leaving victims and their families in anguish and despair.

"Three people kidnapped from M’E lounge, Osongama estate.
Again, God gave me another opportunity to live" a popular OAP, Edwin Ebiese popularly called “MC Governor” posted on Facebook following the incident.

So far, according to reports, about five girls have been murdered and their body parts removed in the capital city of the state, Uyo. One was discovered at the Baning Layout; another one on Nwaniba Road. Two were said to have been found at Ekamba Nsukara, just after the University of Uyo permanent site main gate, while the other was at the outskirts of the capital city, at Ekom iman junction.

The tragic fate of those young girls, whose lives were brutally cut short and bodies desecrated, serves as a harrowing testament to the depths of depravity to which lawlessness has plunged the state. Such heinous acts not only claim lives but also tear at the fabric of society, instilling a climate of fear and mistrust that corrodes the bonds of community.

"Our girls are now being butchered like goats in the state and the government seems not to be bothered, total disregard for humanity" says Iniobong Udo, a student, who lamented about the incident.

In the absence of decisive action from the government, the people of Akwa Ibom are left to fend for themselves, grappling with the specter of violence that looms large over their daily existence. The failure to address the root causes of insecurity, coupled with a lack of accountability, has eroded faith in the ability of the state to protect its citizens.

As the shadows of uncertainty lengthen, it becomes increasingly clear that the escalating insecurity in Akwa Ibom is not merely a symptom of societal decay but a damning indictment of governmental incompetence. Unless urgent steps are taken to address this crisis, the toll of human suffering will only continue to mount, casting a long shadow over the future of the state.

"If our Governor fails to address this ongoing calamity in our State, there would be no difference between us and those in some states, who are constantly abducted and killed by unknown gunmen, bandits and terrorists.

Clearly, in the words of Joseph Obot, a public affairs analyst, Akwa Ibom people expect their governor “to intensify efforts to make sure the peace that was recorded in our dear State is restored!"

* Amos is a public affairs commentator based on Etinan, Akwa Ibom State.