Date Published: 03/10/10

Not that these kidnapping must "only" stop

I wish to refer to the various spirited efforts made by Akwa Ibom government as to who are behind most of the kidnappings in the State. In the ‘Freekick’ column of the Daily Sun newspaper of Tuesday 2/3/10 and Leadership newspaper of Wednesday 3/3/10 were an article entitled “These kidnappings in Akwa Ibom must stop”, written by one Marilyn Offiong said to be an NYSC member in Uyo. The authenticity of an Akwa Ibomite serving her youth service in Uyo remains in doubt though but this piece is not for its probing. 

Instead of positing “These kidnappings in Akwa Ibom must stop”, I would rather opt for “These kidnappings must be fully investigated”. For sure, we know that a governor is the chief security officer of the State; therefore one expects that all security reports including kidnappings are reported to him.

Dr. Chris Ekong was Economic Development Commissioner in Akpabio’s government. When a Lebanese working with a construction company, which was handling some jobs at Ikot Ekpene was kidnapped in 2008, Ekong was approached by the State government to secure his release. According to Ekong, he collected huge cash in Ghana-must-go-bag from the residence of the Works Commissioner for the ransom payment. He got his fingers burnt and was sacked. Now he is standing trial for murder and kidnap cases. Good enough.

The governor’s home local government Chairman, Honourable Ntuen, Chairman of the Chairmen was kidnapped. Ransom was paid for his release. In the media he expressed gratitude to Governor Akpabio for facilitating his release. He claimed his abductors demanded for N500million but failed to say how much was paid before his release. This needs to be made public. Governor Akpabio cut short his Abuja trip on hearing that General Edet Akpan was kidnapped. What looked suspect was that without showing concern on this, the NEXT newspaper of Tuesday 2/2/10 reported that the governor only said “government was ready to pay compensation to the families of the dead during the kidnap”?  Government should do more to convince the masses that it is seriously fighting the crime.

Eki Umoh

Olusegun Obasanjo Road

UYO, Akwa Ibom State

ekiumoh@yahoo.com