Leaders of Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State have called for sustained prayers and collaboration with religious groups to maintain peace and security in the area.
The council chairman, Pastor Mercy Nsor; the paramount ruler, HRM Minen Takon Atangba (Minen Okwa II of Akparabong Bosok); and the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Abdulrahman
Kolade Lagbe, made the appeal during separate meetings with a delegation of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS) College of Bishops on Friday.
The bishops visited the leaders to announce the official working visit of their Dean, Patriarch Christ Shepherd Bassey Imowo, and his officers to Cross River State, with Ikom as the centre of their activities, including the annual solemn conference.
The council chairman, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the council, Mr Edo Owan welcomed the delegation and described Ikom as a safe and welcoming community.
She expressed delight that the bishops had chosen Ikom for their annual gathering, assuring them of the council’s support to ensure the success of their programme.
“Ikom is home for all. Ikom is very safe. We are very glad that you chose Ikom for the gathering of your bishops for your annual programme.
“We desire your prayers for the ongoing peace and security to endure,” she said.
The DPO, CSP Lagbe, also acknowledged the improvement in security, saying crime had reduced in the area.
He, however, stressed the importance of prayers alongside sustained security operations to prevent a resurgence of criminal activities.
“I can tell you that crime has reduced in Ikom, but despite that, your prayers will help us while we intensify our efforts to stem crime.
“As a Muslim, I know that without God and prayers, you cannot succeed. Our responsibility is to provide security, but it is God who secures us,” he said.
The police chief also assured the delegation of police presence around the venues of their programmes.
Similarly, the paramount ruler, who was represented by the chaplain of the 25-member Ikom Traditional Rulers Council, Evangelist HRH Agbor Clement, welcomed the bishops and expressed happiness over their visit.
The representative apologised for the monarch’s absence, explaining that he and other council members were attending other engagements.
He emphasised the importance of prayer in leadership and community development, disclosing that the traditional rulers begin their weekly meetings with 15 minutes of devotional prayers.
He expressed confidence that the bishops’ visit and continued prayers would contribute to lasting peace and progress across Ikom, including in the various traditional domains.
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