3 Police cobs killed, 4 missing in multiple attacks on security officers in A’ Ibom; State NUJ condemns act

Subsequent upon the recent attacks in Essien Udim local council in Akwa Ibom resulting in the killings of security personnel, burning of Police vehicles and stations, the State Police Command has assured citizens of the State that these unprovoked actions would not deter the command from carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.

According to the Commissioner of Police, Amiengheme Andrew in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Odiko Macdon and made available to Journalists in Uyo yesterday, condoled with families that have lost their love ones, stressing that the perpetrators of the heinous crimes would not go unpunished.

The Commissioner disclosed that these unprovoked actions has led to the demise of three police Officers while four others were missing.

He assured the people of the State that even though the immediate and remote causes of the dastardly acts was not known, the command was carrying out investigation to unravel those behind the criminal activities.

“In recent times, in Essien Udim Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State security personnel particularly the Nigeria Police, Akwa Ibom Command have come under persistent unprovoked attacks, leading to deaths and destruction of property, a trend which is totally absurd and unacceptable.

“Whereas the remote and immediate causes of these unprovoked attacks are unknown, a discreet investigation is on the way to unravel same and seek lasting solution.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Amiengheme Andrew, is deeply saddened by the unprovoked attack on security personnel who were out maintaining the peace yesterday, 30th March, 2021 which led to the demise of CSP Ben Ajide who was the Commander of the Command’s Quick Intervention Unit and two others, while four others are missing.

“The CP hereby deeply condoles with the deceased families and wish to assure same and members of the public that the Command under his watch will not be deterred in carrying out its assigned constitutional mandate and will do all within its powers to bring perpetrators to book.

“The Police boss therefore calls on members of the public to volunteer useful information, he further assures that such information will be treated with utmost confidentiality, while urging all critical stakeholders to be united and form a formidable front in order to bring the menace to an end”, the statement noted.

Meanwhile, a statement issued by the Akwa Ibom state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and signed by Chairman and Secretary, Amos Etuk and Dominic Akpan respectively, condemned the unwarranted attacks on security agencies in Essien Udim, describing it as retrogressive, barbaric and senseless.

“The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council is worried by the spate of attacks on security personnel in Essien Udim Local Government Area.

The attacks are retrogressive, barbaric, senseless and alien to the peaceful disposition of Akwa Ibom State. The Union condemns the attacks without any reservation.

“We offer our sincere sympathy to the families of the security personnels who lost their loved ones. To the injured, the Union prays for their quick recovery and urges the high command of all the security agencies to leave no stone unturned in their quest to fish out the perpetrators of the utterly odious crimes”.