Odukpani People Protest Insecurity, Arrest Of 17 Youths By Nigerian Army

By Jonathan Ugbal: Government House Correspondent

Youths, men and women of Odukpani local government yesterday protested the alleged arrest of 17 youths in Ikot Offiong by a team of soldiers attached to the Brigade in Akwa Ibom state.

The protesters numbering about 100 we seen chanting songs at the main entrance of the Governor’s office with the chapter president of the Youth Council, Okon Phillip telling CrossRiverWatch that: “We want our youths to be returned and tried in Cross River State.”

“They were arrested on Friday morning by soldiers from 2 Brigade in Akwa Ibom and we read in the papers that they have been declared war mercenaries. No! we want them back,” Okon said.

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The protesters were bearing placards with several messages inscribed on them including: “Insecurity in our borders,” “No tourism, no enterprise in our local government” among others.

They were yet to be attended to at the time of filing this report despite chanting for over one (1) hour with the Governor, Senator Ben Ayade driving out through an entrance meant for him and his deputy alone, with sources saying he was travelling to Abuja to return today (Wednesday).

Odukpani has witnessed an upsurge in crime and communal crisis following attacks by herdsmen on Obio Usiere as well as the communal clashes between Ikot Offiong and Oku Iboku in Akwa Ibom state.

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