EARCOM condemns rising incidence of theft within Ibom Plaza, its environs

By BENJAMIN JIMMY

The Ethical and Attitudinal Reorientation Commission (EARCOM), has condemned the spate of crime and criminality within the Ibom Plaza, Uyo, and its environs by suspected hoodlums whom she said, disguise themselves as responsible people engaging in legitimate businesses in those areas.

A press release signed by the EARCOM chairman, Dr. Dorothy Thompson and made available to newsmen, indicated that the commission was reacting to the reports of the new wave of bags and phones snatching, robbery and other anti-social vices said to be gradually picking up in their intensity within and around the plaza.

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The commission frowned at the ugly development around plaza, saying it was unacceptable for a very strategic and commercially viable environment which she said serves as a rallying point to the city centre, gateway to Akwa Ibom Government House and other important places in Uyo to be turned into a den of pick pocketers and bags snatchers.

EARCOM said such acts with dire consequences, if allowed to fester, would misrepresent the state and further send wrong signals to intending investors and visitors to the state, an action the commission believed could affect adversely the economic growth of the state that Governor Umo Eno is currently strategizing to strengthen.

The commission explained that criminal activities of any proportion around the popular sit-out would not only pose a threat to free movement of motorists and pedestrians around the Plaza and its axis, but would also create fear in the residents, a potential action it opined might cause the whole areas to be deserted.

EARCOM however said as a body saddled with the responsibility of reorienting public ethics and attitude towards a peaceful, safe and secure society, it would continue to condemn unethical conducts among those youths who have had chosen the path of dishonour, while intensifying awareness on the consequences of such actions on the perpetrators, their families and the state at large.

“ As a commission with the responsibility of reorienting public ethics and good attitude among citizens, we will continue to create awareness on the adverse impact of such acts on the state, its dwellers and the economy that our dear Governor Umo Eno is strategizing to improve on”.

The commission stated that, as a measure to halt the development, it will work with security agencies to deal decisively with anyone caught in such demeaning acts.

“ I want to warn those perpetrating the criminal acts of snatching bags, phones and other personal items from members of the public within Ibom Plaza and its environs, starting from MTN office along Ikot Ekpene Road, down to other axis, to desist forthwith. Security agencies are already at alert to arrest and prosecute such individuals”.