As kidnapping and other violent crimes along Oron axis in Akwa Ibom State increasingly gather momentum, the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on Monday, called for an establishment of additional Battalion within the troubled area.

Governor Umo Eno made the call while playing host to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who paid a courtesy visit to his office at Government House, Uyo.

The COAS was in the Government House to inform the governor of the combined 2nd and 3rd Quarters Edition of the 2024 Chief of Army Staff Conference holding in the state from August 26, 2024 to August 30, 2024.

While welcoming the Army Chief and his entourage to the state, the governor noted with satisfaction, the reflection of federal character on the top echelon of the Nigerian Army, and commended their efforts and commitment in preserving the nation’s democracy by ensuring the security of citizens across the various parts of the country.

Pastor Eno also observed the synergy existing between the Army formations and other security agencies in the state, saying such collaboration would serve as a continued boost to the security of the state.

He therefore, assured the Chief of Army Staff and his entourage of the state government’s readiness to give all necessary support to enable the establishment of a new base in the state.

Speaking earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. T. Lagbaja, had said the courtesy call on the governor was traditional, as it afforded him the opportunity to register the presence of the Nigerian Army in the host state for the week-long conference.

While commending the peaceful and hospitable ambience of the state, which, he affirmed, informed the choice of the state for the conference, the Nigerian Army Chief said they were in the state to relax and discuss serious national security concerns.

He expressed the appreciation of the Nigerian Army to the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State for the infrastructural and logistics support extended to the 2 Brigade Headquarters in the state, as well as the warm reception of his team to the state.

Lt. Gen. Lagbaja therefore, assured of the continuous commitment of the Army in ensuring security and safety of all citizens.

Recall that kidnapping, particularly, along the state’s littoral areas of Oron, Mbo and their environs has become a recurring decimal in recent times.

One recent instance was the kidnapp of a High Court Judge in Akwa Ibom State. The Judge, who spent some days in the kidnappers’ den, was however released through the interventions of the Akwa Ibom State Government and security agencies.

It was however not clear if ransom was paid for her release, as this aspect of the issue was then shrouded in secrecy.