Kidnapping Threat: Akwa Ibom Assembly Demands Tight Security Around Orphanages, Rural Health Centres

By Asuquo Edem

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has called for intensified security around registered orphanages, motherless babies' homes and isolated health facilities across the state in a proactive move to prevent kidnapping and other security threats.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the Member representing Urue Offong/Oruko State Constituency, Hon. Precious Selong, during plenary.

Leading the debate, Selong expressed concern over the growing insecurity confronting orphanages and other isolated health facilities across the country, noting that such institutions, particularly those located in rural and remote communities, remain vulnerable to attacks due to inadequate security presence.

She recalled reported incidents of kidnappers targeting orphanages and isolated facilities in states such as Kogi and the Federal Capital Territory, warning that Akwa Ibom must take preventive measures to avert similar occurrences.

The lawmaker observed that many of the facilities lack sufficient security personnel capable of responding swiftly to emergencies before reinforcement arrives, making them easy targets for criminal elements.

Selong cited Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. She also commended Governor Pastor Umo Bassey Eno for his administration's sustained investment in peace and security under the ARISE Agenda.

Emphasising that security is a collective responsibility, the lawmaker urged the state to adopt proactive measures to safeguard vulnerable institutions before threats emerge.

The House consequently mandated the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways to deploy security personnel around registered orphanages, motherless babies' homes and isolated health facilities, particularly those in remote and rural communities, while promoting community-based intelligence gathering and surveillance.

The lawmakers also directed the House Committee on Security to monitor and ensure compliance with the resolution.

After due delibration by members, the Speaker, Elder Udeme Otong who presided over Plenary directed the Clerk, Mrs Nsikakabasi Orok to communicate the resolutions to the Executive.

The House was adjourned to reconvene on the 14 July 2026

Comments

Akwa Ibom Assembly Bans Sign-Out Celebrations, Orders Immediate Enforcement Across Schools

By Asuquo Edem The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has adopted a resolution calling for the immediate prohibition of all forms of sign-out celebrations in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions across the state, citing growing concerns over moral decadence, violence, substance abuse and other anti-social behaviours associated with the practice. The resolution followed the consideration of a Motion on Notice sponsored by the Member representing Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency, Hon. Udobia Friday Udo, during plenary. Leading debate on the motion, Hon. Udobia argued that while educational institutions are established to promote learning, discipline, moral values and responsible citizenship, the culture of sign-out celebrations by graduating students has increasingly degenerated into activities that undermine these ideals. According to him, what was once intended as a celebration of academic accomplishment has, in recent years, become synonymous with indecent dressin...

AKHA Rejects Uduak Ekpoufot's Motion to Stop Dog-Meat Consumption

By Asuquo Edem Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly today rejected a motion brought before it by the member representing Etinan State Constituency, Hon. Uduak Ekpoufot. The motion presented before the House seeks to discontinue the consumption and sale of dog meat in Akwa Ibom State has failed to scale through the floor of the State House of Assembly after it received no seconder during plenary. Hon. M Ekpoufot, raised strong concerns over the inhumane slaughter of dogs, the unhygienic conditions involved, and the serious public-health risks associated with dog-meat consumption. He argued that the methods used to kill dogs were cruel, often involving strangulation, blunt-force trauma, or repeated blows, leading to severe animal suffering. The lawmaker further warned that poorly processed dog meat exposes consumers to dangerous pathogens such as rabies, salmonella, trichinella and other parasites, stressing that the practice has been banned in several countries due to safety co...

A'Ibom Assembly Debunks Viral Claim of Bill Criminalising Relationships With Married Men

By Asuquo Edem The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has dismissed as false and misleading a viral social media report alleging plans to pass a bill criminalising sexual relationships with married men. In a statement issued on Monday and signed by the Chairman House Committee on Information, Hon. Jerry Otu, the Assembly described the report—circulating widely on social media—as a fabrication with no legislative basis. The claim, reportedly shared via a Facebook post by one Obiavel Albert Abigo, alleged that a bill sponsored by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, sought to impose a 10-year jail term on women involved in such relationships, while prescribing a ₦2 million fine for men. The House categorically denied the existence of any such bill, stressing that it has neither received nor deliberated on legislation of that nature. It also clarified that the Deputy Governor has not sponsored any bill related to the claims. Condemning the report as a deliberate attempt ...

The Empire Naija

Search This Blog