The House of Representatives has commenced a move to forestall the resurgence of youth restiveness in Etim Ekpo and Ukanafun Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State.
In a resolution passed by the lawmakers, the House called on the Presidential Amnesty Programme Office to absorb the youth into the Amnesty Programme, for proper training and rehabilitation.
The move followed a motion by Hon. Emmanuel Ekon at the Wednesday plenary presided over by Speaker Yakubu Dogara in Abuja.
Speaking, Ekon noted that in 2015, a group of aggrieved youths from some communities in the two local government areas moved into nearby bushes where they unleashed terror on residents of the areas and passers-by.
He said that the reign of terror spanned not less than three years, where several people were robbed, raped, maimed or killed and property worth several millions of naira plundered.
He said: “The House is disturbed that in the course of the operations, several communities, churches, markets, schools, and health centres were displaced and the social and economic lives of the people disrupted.
“The House is aware that as a result of the displacement, people from the affected communities were in camps in lwukem and other communities.
“The House is also aware that entreaties were made to the government of Akwa Ibom State and security agencies to dislodge the youths from the bushes in order to put an end to the nefarious activities, but the pleas were not given prompt attention.”
The lawmaker, who represents Abak/Etim Ekpo and Ika Federal Constituency, noted that those youths had the capacity to positively influence the society if their talents were properly harnessed.
According to him, there are graduates and skilled persons among them.
Ekon said: “The House recalls that the government of Akwa Ibom State recently assembled some youths, who claimed to be repentant militants and had surrendered their weapons to embrace peace.
“The House is aware that the amnesty granted to the youth by the government of Akwa Ibom State could have been a good development if a proper process of rehabilitation and re-integration was carried out.”
Ekon, however, said it was disheartening that the youth involved had neither been given any form of training nor any sustainable means of livelihood.
When the Speaker, Dogara, put the motion to a voice vote, the lawmakers unanimously adopted it.
Dogara, therefore, mandated the House Committees on Special Duties and Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation of the resolution by visiting the affected communities for assessment and report back within three weeks for further legislative action.
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