The Akwa Ibom House of Assembly on Tuesday expressed concerns over the activities of criminals who operate around the Uyo main market in the state capital.
Mr Anietie Eka (PDP-Uyo constituency), who moved the motion under matters of urgent public importance, described the development as unhealthy.
He said that the market had become a breeding ground for armed robbers, rapists, and cultists, saying that something should be done urgently.
Eka expressed concerns over the safety of unsuspecting members of the public who constantly fell victim to the activities of the criminals.
He urged the state government to quickly intervene in the interest of the people, adding, “the state government has to sanitize the entire area and get rid of the hoodlums.
“In the day time, these hoodlums sometimes disguise as hawkers and petty traders around the Ibom Plaza area, in the night, they revert to their criminal and devilish activities.”
“The security agents should live up to their responsibilities by identifying and apprehending these criminals,” he said.
The Speaker of the assembly, Mr Aniekan Bassey, referred the motion to the joint committee on Environment, Youths, Sports and Security for further scrutiny.
The speaker directed the committee to submit its report to the house within one month.
In a related development, the Akwa Ibom State Anti-Stigma and Discrimination of Persons Living with HIV/AIDS Bill 2020, on Tuesday passed through the second reading.
The bill, sponsored by Mr Udeme Otong (PDP-Abak), was committed to the house committee on Health for further legislative business.
The House, thereafter, adjourned its sitting until Oct. 6.