Caretaker committee chairman of Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Godwin Ekpe has attributed the current peaceful and safe nature of the local government to the partnership between his office and security agenices in the state.
He said this while receiving the state commissioner of police, Mr Waheed Ayilara in his office at Ikot Akpa Nkuk, the very first of such visits in the history of the local government.
The local government, before now, was a theatre of war occasioned by the activities of militants who took over the place, causing mayhem and forcing the natives to flee their homes.
The economy of the local government was badly affected, forcing investors to avoid the local government which is one of the foremost local governments in the present day Akwa Ibom, sharing boundaries with Abia and Rivers states.
But the situation is seen to have changed. Rather than visit in search of criminal minded elements, the police commissioner said he was in the area to praise the council chairman for his leadership acumen and ability to support his men and promote peace and harmony.
Ayilara who said Ukanafun was a welcoming local government noted that policing was a collective responsibility and urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police.
He also warned against social vices such as theft, cultism and vandalism, assuring that the police would take decisive action against perpetrators. He called for the cooperation of stakeholders, village chiefs, youths, and other community members to achieve the continued security of the area.
The chairman, while receiving the police boss expressed appreciation for the visit and lauded him for the successes achieved in terms of security under his command.
He highlighted the contributions of his administration towards enhancing the security of the area, including the drilling of a borehole, provision of a generator, repair of the police van, and monthly support to the divisional headquarters at Ikot Udo Obobob.
He appealed to security agencies to remain agile and ensure perfect policing of the area, while also urging them to ensure that all criminal minded elements around the area are arrested and prosecuted.
