Cleric urges community leaders to halt jungle justice

Abigail Isaac

A cleric of the Apostolic Church, Apostle (Barr.) Samuel Inyang has condemned the rising cases of jungle justice in Akwa Ibom State calling on youths to halt the barbaric acts.

Inyang, who is the Area Superintendent of The Apostolic Church, Afia Nsit Area, and Etinan Field Secretary, said this when youths and community leaders across the seven communities from the four districts of the Afia Nsit area visited him.

The seven communities of the Afia Nsit Area are Afia Nsit Urua Nko; Ikot Abasi Nsit; Ikot Ebre Nsit; Afia Nsit Atai; Mbiokporo 11; Ikot Obio Ndua, and Ikot Abasi Ufat.

It was also gathered that the four districts formations of Afia Nsit Area are Afia Nsit Urua Nko District; Mbiokporo 11 District; Afia Nsit Atai District, and Ikot Abasi Ufat District.

Addressing the community leaders, Inyang commended them for living a worthy lifestyle that culminated in their emergence as community leaders.

The apostle described the growing culture of some citizens taking the law into their own hands by meting out justice as they deem fit, and said the practice is reprehensible.

The Area Superintendent, who also doubles as National Youth Leader of The Apostolic Church, attributed the situation to the loss of confidence among the people, the government and the law enforcement agencies.

He said a nation where people begin to take laws into their own hands signals a dangerous situation, adding that relevant stakeholders must work to ensure that the rule of law is obeyed.

Inyang explained that as community leaders, they are vested with the responsibility of offering security checks, adherence to cultural standards, and societal values, as well as maintaining peaceful coexistence while working in cooperation with security operatives in the state.

He called for frequent solemn assemblies across the communities as a means of committing activities of their communities into the hands of God for smooth operations.

As a way of uniting the seven communities of Afia Nsit Area, he pledged to sponsor a friendly yuletide football competition for the seven communities and urged them to set the process rolling by setting up an organising committee to ensure a successful outing.

The Area Superintendent went further to promise to host an annual meeting with community leaders to further consolidate the plans towards achieving a sustainable peaceful atmosphere.

In his response, the village Youth President of Afia Nsit Udua Nko, Mr Anietie Udobot, described the meeting with the cleric as a pacesetter.

Udobot assured that the leadership of various communities shall put their heads together to come up with its maiden Youth Solemn Assembly in October.

Also speaking, the Village President of Mbiokporo 11, Mr Bright Udokang, lauded the kind gesture of Apostle Inyang for bringing together youths and community leaders in the Area.

Udokang pledged the readiness of the community leaders to live up to the expectations of the people that repose their confidence in them with the leadership position, as well as mapping out strategies to curb the menace of mob action as well as other anti-social activities.

The participants took turns expressing their appreciation to Apostle Inyang. Also, they affirmed their commitment to making their communities a safe haven for habitation, pledging to put God first in all their engagements.

Those in attendance at the dinner with the Apostle at The Apostolic Church, Afia Nsit Area, are Youth Presidents; Vice Presidents; Secretaries; Women Leaders, and Village Council Chairmen across the seven communities.