Nigerians have continued to condemn the kidnapping, raping and killing of a 26-year old job seeker, Miss Iniubong Umoren, allegedly killed by one Uduak Frank Akpan.
The latest is from Akwa Ibom women who on Wednesday, May 5th, 2021, marched the streets of Uyo demanding justice for the slain Umoren, saying no stone should be left unturned in administering justice for the deceased and bereaved family.
The walk which took-off from the popular Ibom Plaza in the heart of the city saw the women navigate through major streets before gathering at the globe along Wellington Bassey way for some brief speeches.
Addressing the women, the Wife of the State Governor, Her Excellency, Dr. Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel reacting to the murder, expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident which claimed the life of a promising young girl who was only seeking for a better life, stating that such abominable act should not be treated with kid gloves.
She held that the women were not just angry at the recent happenings but were saddened by the fact that despite much advocacy in this regard, some monsters well hell-bent on defeating the entire process.
“I am deeply saddened by the cruel hand of fate that has located this innocent girl. My heart is broken and that of Akwa Ibom women who have once again said enough is enough to these crimes against women and humanity,” Mrs. Emmanuel said.
Dr. Emmanuel advised the women to be wary of the devices of the wicked ones, saying they are constantly evolving strategies to harm unsuspecting members of the public.
The governor’s wife while thanking the Nigeria Police Force for their swift response in arresting all suspects in the crime, called on them to act expeditiously in unmasking those behind the atrocious act.
“I call on the security agency to unmask all those behind this cruelty. All accomplices must be brought to book and no one should go unpunished. This should be the last in the series of these crimes in the state,” the governor’s wife warned.
While leading the women in a special warfare prayer against perpetrators of the evil in the state, she on behalf of the women sent out her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and by extension all victims of rape, praying that God will grant them comfort in their trying times.
Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Felicia Bassey said the gruesome murder of Miss Iniubong Umoren has reawakened the voices of women against the heinous crime of rape, saying all with a good conscience should condemn the act in its totality.
She added that the State Assembly recently passed enabling legislation to prosecute all offenders of rape, positing that none should be left to go unpunished when found guilty.
Other notable speakers at the event such as the Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Ini Adiakpan, State Chairperson of International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Barrister Emem Ette, that of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Mrs. Uduak Ekong among others, in one accord condemned the murder of Iniubong Umoren and others who have gone unnoticed, throwing their weight behind exposing and punishing all culprits.
They alluded to the message that all rapists must be exposed, shamed and prosecuted to serve as deterrent, saying increased awareness must be tailored towards victims to speak out.