Insecurity: C'River Legislators Condemn Killing Of Cop, Seek Urgent Action
By Our Reporter
Cross River lawmakers have condemned the recent attack on a police station at Old Netim, Akamkpa Locals Government Area, which left one policeman dead and the other injured.
The lawmakers subsequently resolved that the State Government through the State security Adviser should collaborate with the security agencies and beef up security to curb the rising crime rate in Akamkpa LGA.
The House also urged the state government to pursued and dispatch vehicles to the three police formations at Akamkpa and the Local Government authorities to provide monthly financial support to police to enhance their operations.
The House further urged community members to form vigilante groups to compliment Government’s efforts while also appealing corporate organisations and investors domiciled in the area to provide logistic support towards the fight against criminality in the area.
These resolutions were taken at plenary sequel to a matter of urgent public interest presented by the member representing Akamkpa 2 state constituency and chairman House Committee on Information and Public Affairs, Hon. Okon Nyong Owuna who decried the poor security situation in his constituency, Akampka.
The lawmaker lamented the increasing rate of criminality in Akamkpa LGA. He recalled the gruesome murder of Mrs Martina Itagbor who was set ablaze for alleged witchcraft and other cases of lawlessness and criminality and emphasised the need fire an improvement in the security architecture to forestall further loss of innocent lives.
“Recently, .hoodlums besieged the police formation in Old Netim; the attack left one policeman dead and another injured. The police lack mobility and man power. Akampka odds an industrial hub with Scott nine quarries and many other mineral resources which stack large populations. There is an urgent need for effective security measures to be put in place,“ he said.
Members unanimously condemned the attack on the police station and murder of the policeman. They lamented the proliferation of weapons among the youths, the inadequacies in the police force as well as the high rate of unemployment. They sued for the creation of employment opportunities, strengthening of the Nigerian police force amongst other measures.
On his part, the Speaker, Rt Hon. Elvert Ayambem expressed sadness over the murder of the policeman and expressed hope that the perpetrators will be brought to book.
