June 13, (THEWILL) – Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthen the security apparatus in the state to tackle the wave of crimes to secure lives and properties.
The Governor gave the assurance at the weekend, during a thanksgiving Service, organised by Solid Rock Kingdom Ministries, to appreciate God for the safety of Apostle John Okoriko, the general overseer of the ministry, in the hands of abductors.
THEWILL recalls that Apostle Okoriko was abducted by gunmen in his church premises in April, and was released after four days to reunite with his family and ministry.
Emmanuel, who said security Agencies are on the trail of the hoodlums, noted that the state government has invested a lot of resources in the area of security, which has yielded appreciable results.
Represented at the event by Pastor Umo Eno, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the governor explained that despite the challenging security situation in most parts of the country, Akwa Ibom has enjoyed relative peace and security.
He emphasised that Akwa Ibom remains one of the most peaceful states in the country, adding that most investors have found Akwa Ibom as their prefered destination for any business.
Governor Emmanuel maintained that the government is aware of pockets of criminal activities in some parts of the state, but reassured the people of the state that his administration will continue to double its effort to ensure that Akwa Ibom remains a destination of choice.
He thanked God for protecting the life of Apostle John Okoriko and sparing the state from mourning one of its prominent sons.
He noted that the Thanksgiving was organised by Father’s of Faith in the state and appreciated them for always seeking God’s intervention in the affairs of the state.
“The prayers of priests in the state have paid off, the perpetrators of the heinous crime are being trailed by security operatives and would definitely be brought to book”, he assured.
Recounting his ordeals in the hands of his abductors, Apostle Okoriko said the kidnappers abducted, blindfolded him and kept him in their custody for 4 days
“The painful experience began on Tuesday, 19 April, 2022 . I was seated and counselling two people in front of my country home, at the headquarters of our church, Solid Rock Kingdom Church, Ibekwe Akpan Nya Mkpat Enin local government area, at about 4:15 pm, when dreadful armed men emerged suddenly, harassed, blindfolded and dragged me into the bush. Three out of the five kidnappers wore masks. My horrible experience in their hands was unprintable”, he narrated.
Some members of the Church who spoke with THEWILL expressed sincere appreciation to God for sparing the life of the cleric, whom they testified to have been a source of light and life to the community and Mkpat Enin LGA at large.
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