By Godwin Otang
Some youths in Cross River State have staged a peaceful protest against rampant kidnappings and destruction of lives and properties in their communities.
The protest led by Kenneth Kajang of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ikom chapter, and Bassey Nton of the National Youth Assembly of Nigeria (NYAN) on Monday, in Nde 3-Corners, Ikom Local Government Area of the State were they displayed placards with various inscriptions.
The Nde Three Corner in recent weeks has witnessed a surge in kidnappings and killings, leaving residents to live in fear.
The procession commenced at Nde 3- Corners Health Center and rounded up at the Palace of the Clan Head of Nde, HRH Nton-aton Engineer Nton Bassey Nsan, who expressed gratitude for the peaceful protest and urged government and security agencies to “intensify efforts in removing the activities of gunmen threatening not only Nde area but the entire Ikom Local Government Area.”
Comrade Kenneth Kajang, Chairman of NYCN Ikom, expressed fatigue with the prevailing insecurity, emphasizing the need for collective security consciousness: “We are tired of kidnapping and killings in Nde, Ikom Local Government Area. Hence, everybody should be security concourse.”
On his part, Ambassador Bassey Nton, Speaker of NYAN stressed the importance of peace, highlighting the community’s fear since November 2023: “We need peace and we do not want to live in fear as we Nde people young and old can not sleep with our two eyes closed since November 2023.”
The youth leader of Nde Ekantonofo, Comrade Esenebe Ngoro, averred that “we face challenges when pursuing the gunmen due to their sophisticated weapons, whenever they embark on their notorious operations. The youth have been in the bush of Nde, Akparabong, and Bendige-Afi in search of the gunmen, but can’t get to them due to the sophisticated weapons the kidnappers are holding to carry out their operations during the day at will.”
Also, the Youth Councillor, Comrade Ayuk Ekebe called for vigilance, especially as schools are set to resume in a few days.
They unanimously called on Governor Bassey Otu, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, Honourable Bisong Victor Abang, Honourable Abang Samuel Neji; the Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambam and others to address the ongoing kidnappings and killings along the Calabar-Ikom-Nde-Ogoja-Benue federal highway.
The protest climaxed with prayers and a visit to the victims of gunshots in Bakor Hospital, Nde 3-corners.
