Akwa Ibom  State government has declared a three-day fasting and prayer for the two women, who died during the recent kidnap attack at Qua Iboe Church, Iwoki in Nsit Atai Local Government Area by unknown gunmen.

Governor Godswill Akpabio, who announced this during a condolence visit and Sunday service at the church, explained that the fasting and prayer would start from Wednesday, February 10, this week.

Akpabio, who consoled the kidnapped victims who had since been released, noted that the prayer session would be rounded off at Ibom Hall, urging Akwa Ibom women to appear in black attires.

The governor advised the people to thank God that their prayers were being answered, adding that “it would have been worse if we were not praying. In everything, we should give thanks to God.”

He announced a donation of N2.5 million to each of the deceased families for their funeral and plans by the government to renovate the church building in memory of the victims of the attack.

The governor directed Ministry of Health to settle medical bills of those who were wounded and admitted for treatment in various hospitals, while plans would also be initiated to assist the families of the dead women.

Chief Akpabio stated that in the circumstance of the attack and subsequent killing of the QIC members, “Akwa Ibom people have a reason to cry and be angry; but there is hope that God would use their blood to avenge both the sponsors and executors of the January 31 attack on the church.

“Although incidence of kidnapping is not new in the state, the worst is that they have invaded the church to  kidnap people and spill blood. This time, they have kidnapped God and my God will give you safety now that they have challenged Him,” he pointed out.

The General-Superintendent of Qua Iboe Church, Reverend (Dr) Daniel Udoudom, encouraged the survivors of the deceased to maintain faith and steadfastness in God since nothing takes Him aback.