Robbers attack Akwa Ibom Government House

By IDONGESIT ASHAMERI, Uyo

The current wave of crime Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital has reached its crescendo as Government House has been atacked.

The Press Center of the State Government House, was according to internal sources invaded by bandits who allegedly carted away millions from office of the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ekerete Udoh.

A Government House source revealed to our correspondent who visited Government House, Uyo  to ascertain the report that the burglar gained access into the room where the money was kept by tempering with the locks .

The source who would not wish to be mentioned explained that the money which was brought into the center in a Ghana must go bag, was transferred into the bandits’ bag while the empty Ghana must go was left on the floor.

Our correspondent who met the Secretary to the CPS crying, gathered, upon enquiry,  that except at the entrance of the gate of the government house, no security camera was located anywhere at the centre, making it impossible to trace the criminals.

Unfortunately this is not the first an incident of theft occured  at the press center  as about three flat screen televisions were  stolen within the centre months ago.

“The money came in since yesterday afternoon but they refused to share it to the people it was meant for. So the bandits came in the night and destroyed the keys and gained access to office of the secretary to the CPS.

“This is not the first time the government house press center is being robbed. We have lost about three Plasma Televisions, one at the reception, one in reporter’s office and the other in the office used by  cameramen. In all of these, no meeting, no replacement. said a government house source.

Another government house source who also spoke with our correspondent said the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the Governor came to the press center a day after the incident to invite  the driver to the Chief Press Secretary for interrogations..

When contacted, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Udom Emmanuel, Mr Ekerete Udoh declined comment on the robbery incident but however assured that those who were originally meant to be paid with the said money will get their money.

Meanwhile residents of Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital now live in fear over the state of rising insecurity.

The Uyo village road, behind the Akwa Ibom Government House has been declared a ‘no go area’ due to the new wave of car snatching that greeted the area.

Many cases of robbery attacks that spiral into other crimes are been recorded daily as the once peaceful and safe haven for residents has lost its lustre.

This, according to the  State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong could be attributed to low morale  within the police force  owing to the EndSARS protests.

Reaidents who now receive “EndSars” as response whenever they call on the police in distress  have resorted to self help as they take up jungle justice where they can.

The criminal activities which are carried out even i daylight, in open places and at supermarkets have been on since the end of EndSars protests as many cars have been snatched, and passersby maimed and dispossessed of valuable items.

Reacting to the insecurity in the state, the Chairman, Civil Liberties Organisation, Mr Franklin Isong decried that the rate of insecurity is affecting businesses and likelihood.

Isong who reported that the police had complained of lack of utility vehicles to fight crime in the state, appealed to Governor Udom Emmanuel to use the  security vote made available to the state to support the command..

In his reaction to ongoing criminal activities in th state, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko MacDon assured that the police has been doing its best to get to the root of every issue reported by members of the public. (Daily Independent)