By SundiataPOST, Abuja
The Creek Town Elders Forum in Cross River State has called on the State Government to strengthen security measures in Odukpani Local Government Area of the state.
Vice President of the forum, Chief Thomas Mkpang, made the call at a news conference in Calabar on Thursday.
He said the call had become necessary following recent kidnappings and other criminal activities in the area.
The state Deputy Governor’s father, Etubom Essien Efiok and his nephew, Etubom Okon Akabom, were kidnapped on Oct. 11 and released on Oct. 13.
Mkpang urged the government to ensure that the perpetrators of the crime were brought to book.
“We humbly request the government to employ the services of security operatives to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.
“Government should also consider it necessary to re-establish the police station in Creek Town as well as establish other security posts and marine police“, he said.
He said that the forum was considering community policing in Creek Town and warned criminals to steer away from the town.
Mkpang said kidnappers invaded the ancient town through the river with Alsatian dogs and sophisticated arms and terrorised innocent people in their bid to carry out their illegal act.
He said the abduction of the two prominent leaders of the town was a deliberate attempt by some unscrupulous elements to tarnish the good image of the town.
“Creek town has a rich historical background of being the cradle of the Efik people.
“The town has the overwhelming advantage of having received western civilisation, education and Christianity through its early contact with Europeans way back in the 19th century.’’
The vice president said that apart from being a major tourists’ destination in Cross River, Creek Town was noted for its undisputed record of peace and hospitality.
“The elders’ forum of Creek Town would go to every length to ensure that the reputation and potential of our dear community are not tarnished.
“We appeal to the government and all well meaning persons and organisations to remain undaunted by this brutal incident and continue in the task of communal development.
“As concerned citizens, we condemn in very clear terms, the kidnapping and other associated evils that instill fear and insecurity in Creek Town’’, Mkpang said.
