Henceforth, any person who abducts a child in Akwa Ibom State will face the death sentence like a kidnapper under the state Child’s Rights and anti-Terrorism Act.
Already, 25 persons arrested for alleged child abduction by security agents in the state are to face trial, while 30 kidnapped children from Akwa Ibom State and some neighbouring states have been rescued.
Akpabio, who stated this on Sunday during the 50th birthday celebration thanksgiving service of Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem, the state Commissioner of Special Duties, at Power City International, Uyo, remarked that the convicts would face death sentence like hardened criminals.
According to him, the trauma parents go through when such happens is always heart breaking and vowed that every child abductor would be brought to book.
He then called on the people of the state to report any suspicious movement to security agencies and to always be security conscious at all times, hinting that five teams of security agencies are carrying out investigation to check child theft in the state.
Enoidem disclosed that the history of his life had been characterised by the exceeding grace of God.
He said he wasn’t even qualified for such grace, stressing that education is the bedrock for what he has now become in life and that his wife and family are the pillar and inspiration of his life.
In his homily, Pastor Abel Damina, who preached on the topic: “The Supernatural Church,” said the church of God was born supernaturally since the days of Pentecost in the Bible, pointing out that the mission of God was for His children to function in the supernatural.
Later at a grand reception organised for Enoidem at Ibom Hall grounds, Uyo, the governor warned teachers to desist from abusing school children in Akwa Ibom State because offenders would face stiff punishment.
Akpabio said: “We have made direct phone numbers available to school children and their parents so that they can call or send text messages and report any molestation.
“I assure them that I will not only punish the teacher in question through dismissal, I will also punish the principal of the school if it comes to my notice that the Principal did not take action to stop the child from being molested.
“Parents, take care of your wards and ensure that they are not abused and taken into child labour and trafficking.”
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