By Edet Okpo
Among other things, the prompt intervention and pragmatic approach adopted by the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, in evacuating Akwa Ibom State indigenes affected by the recent onslaught by bandits in Katsina State are strong statements of fact a concerned government should give when need arises.
One can only imagine the relief and collateral impact that the succour and magnanimity by the governor already have had on the victims and their families. It has given them a sense of belonging, strengthened their trust in the leadership and capacity of the Good Governance template of His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel.
It was therefore a kind of home-coming for victims of the misfortune who saw death but on the same wave saw the hand of God in their Governor who offered instant practical solace.
From Katsina State, they touched down on the soil of Akwa Ibom, Saturday morning, amidst songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. The thirty two escapees including children were brought to the State by the President, Akwa Ibom Community in Katsina State, Chief Effiom Williams Anietimfon.
Even the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr Ini Adiakpan, who received the returnees on behalf of the State Government, at the Women Development Centre, IBB Avenue Uyo, could not hold her joy seeing the tears of relief on their faces.
The commissioner while briefing newsmen said the Government learnt about the incident through a viral video and immediately swung into action to ameliorate their plights.
Dr. Adiakpan said the State Government since then had taken over the daily welfare of the victims to help stabilize them psychologically, sustain their physical conditions, and give them hope for a rebound as soon as possible.
Dr. Adiakpan further disclosed that the officials of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare were on hand to receive the returnees and provided immediate relief to them.
She expressed government's determination to stabilize the victims and integrate them into the society, for those who may not have made their minds to return even if conditions in Katsina appear to have stabilized.
It was therefore proper that the commissioner thanked the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel and Wife, Dr. Martha Emmanuel for fatherly concern, responding swiftly to the emergency by facilitating their evacuation.
Expressing her joy in a chat with newsmen, the President, Akwa Ibom Community in Katsina State, Chief Effiom Anietimfon, disclosed that in June last year, there were also pockets of deadly disturbances and invasion in some local government areas in Katsina State where Akwa Ibom people reside and carry out their businesses were invaded by bandits.
On the extent of damage of the recent carnage, Chief Anietimfon further disclosed that the bandits destroyed shops, houses, farmlands as well as maimed and killed some Akwa Ibom citizens.
While efforts are being made to collate data for a comprehensive list, the president explained that the affected individuals with their families were camped since last year while there has been constant correspondence with appropriate authorities on remediation.
The president therefore commended the kindhearted Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel through the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Adiakpan, as well as others who demonstrated their concerns through prayers, calls, visits and goodwill in other ways.
Narrating their ordeals, some of the returnees, Idara Edet Okon, Uduak Etukudo, Favor and Promise Emmanuel said all they had worked for years in Katsina have gone down the drain due to banditry.
They thanked God for saving their lives and appreciated the Akwa Ibom State Government for according priority to their welfare.
To complement government's effort, some groups instantly donated more relief material in the form of food stuff, clothing, toiletries, etc. On the list of donors were Friends of the Needy Organization (FONO), led by Lady Eme Atakpo; 50 Million Women Africa Speak, represented by the president, Princess Eka Etuk; etc.
This, of course, is not the first time Governor Udom Emmanuel would intervene in bringing instant succour to indigenes caught up in mishap. This is quite commendable and fulfilment of his campaign promises of ensuring that no sector of the populace is discriminated against in his social policies.
In the present case, it will be nice for other individuals and groups to identify with the efforts of the government by liaising with appropriate quarters to make their donations.
Beyond this, the wish of every Nigerian is that the federal government will do everything within its powers to stem the tides of insecurity in the country, so that citizens would no longer be exiles and fugitives in their own land.
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