BY UBON EKANEM, UYO – Palpable fear now reigns in Akwa Ibom State with unknown gunmen continuing their relentless and unprovoked attacks on policemen and security facilities across the state.
But the State Police Command has given assurances that the “unacceptable worrisome trend”, which requires the cooperation of all citizens, is being addressed by the Police hierarchy to stop the current mayhem.
Going by current update on criminal attacks and invasion of Police facilities in the South South State, about seven stations have so far been razed with reports indicating that the Police Force have lost 21 officers and men in the process.
Some residents in Uyo, the State capital, confided in Forefront that most people are now living on the edge as the attacks seem to escalate on a daily basis.
“The truth is that most people are now living in obvious fear, especially Policemen and their family members, not knowing what is coming next or which areas the so-called unknown gunmen have penciled down as their targets for next attacks”, one visibly disturbed resident told our correspondent in Uyo.
Competent sources within the Police said apprehension among residents further heightened when two police stations in both Ika and Etim Ekpo Local Government Areas of the state became targets of latest attacks by the rampaging hoodlums.
According to the sources, the gunmen defied early morning rains on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, to launch lethal attacks on the affected stations and in the process, a police officer, one PC Edogi Bassey lost his life.
It was gathered that in the attack that occurred around 6.30 am, the heavily armed gangsters burnt some police vehicles but could only inflict minimal damage on the police station located at Etim Ekpo.
Confirming the incident in a press statement, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police (SP) Odiko MacDon said the hoodlums came in two vehicles fully armed with AK 47 rifles and other dangerous weapons for the operation.
The statement said; “At about 6:30 am today (Wednesday), armed men, in their numbers, armed with AK 47 rifles and other dangerous weapons, in two vehicles attacked the rented building housing the Etim Ekpo Area Command and Division.
“The undaunted and vigilant Police Officers on duty, gallantly fought back, repelled them and averted the intended carnage. Unfortunately, a dedicated Officer, one PC Edogi Bassey paid the supreme price while a small portion of the building was torched.
“The gunmen who proceeded to Ika Division to perpetrate their nefarious activities were again successfully repelled leaving the Station intact without loss of lives or arms.”
Furthermore, the Police spokesperson said; “This unacceptable worrisome trend is being addressed by the Police hierarchy and requires the cooperation of all,” adding that worried by the dastardly attacks, Commissioner of Police, Amiengheme Andrew is currently touring Police formations and divisions in the state to ensure alertness and assured the officers of their safety.
SP MacDon said as part of efforts to effectively address the worrying insecurity in the state; “The CP has called on law-abiding citizens to volunteer timely information that will enable the Police tackle the present security challenges.”
