By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo
Residents of Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital have decried the re-emergence of criminal activities in the city.
This followed the recent constant harrassment of residents in many parts of the town.
In Itam area for instance, residents have reported activities of a group of men numbering over 40 who stormed market stalls last weekend and allegedly carted away over 200 bags of rice and other valuable items belonging to some traders in the market..
At Udoumanna, the hoodlums, numbering over 20 allegedly struck the Akpanandem market area on Sunday night, scaring residents with gun shots, while they operate from house to house.
Residents of Asutan street, the host area of Correspondents Chapel office Akwa Ibom State were last Wednesday awoken to a chemist shop emptied overnight by hoodlums who defiled the heavy presence of vigilante group in the area..
Residents of Effiat Offort, Uyo also had their fair share when a group of young men embarked on a house to house raid in the areas. This team or criminals according to residents of the area, burgled vehicles, removing car batteries and other valuable vehicle parts.
At Atan Offort, a security personnel who craved anonymity told journalists that a vigilante member who attempted to resist the hoodlums was killed.
The securityman attributed the incessant molestation of residents to lack of surveillance on the part of the police and called on the new Commossioner of Police to beef up security patrol in the state, especially at night to checkmate criminal activities.
Mr Umoh Etim, a resident of Udoette street who also reported a tensed security situation in his area called for restoration of street lights in all parts of the capital city. Such steps, he believes would curtail ongoing nefarious activities in the state..
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP N-Nudam Frederick said he was not aware of such issues as such complaints were not reported to the police. he however promised to contact the DPOs of the affected areas to confirm such issues and take steps to ensure protection of lives and property of residents.
Meanwhile the Speaker Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mr Aniekan Bassey has pledged to partner the State Command of Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in combating crime and insecurity in the state.
The Speaker made the pledge when he, alongside the leadership of the House, received CP Amiengheme Inobeme Andrew, the newly appointed Commissioner of Police to the state, and his team at the Assembly Complex, Uyo.
