The Akwa Ibom government has moved to check growing security threat in the state following repeated attacks on police stations in which at least four outposts have been touched with a number of officers killed and riffles carted away by hoodlums.
The worst affected area is Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District which has a common border with neighbouring states of Abia and Rivers States.
According to checks, almost all police stations in Abak, Essien Udim, Ini, Oruk Anam and Etim Ekpo local government areas have been touched.
In a move to check the trend, the state government has prohibited the use of motorcycles in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District from 6pm till 6 am.
Emmanuel Ekuwem, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in a statement in Uyo, the state capital, explained that the prohibition would cover all types of motorcycles without exception with power bikes included.
Noting the restriction has been authorised by Governor Udom Emmanuel, Ekuwem stated that the “ban takes immediate effect and covers all the local government areas in Ikot Ekpene area, adding that “the previous statewide ban (10 pm-6 am) remains in force in the other parts of the state.”
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While “regretting the inconvenience that this decision may cause law-abiding citizens, the decision is a product of considered reasoning, taken in the overall interest of the security of lives and property, which is the primary responsibility of any government,” said, with a directive to the security agencies to enforce the ban.
Meanwhile, the police command in the state says it has repelled attacks on police stations on Wednesday morning, a statement by the police public relations officer (PPRO), Odiko MacDon, stated.
“At about 6:30 am on Wednesday, men, in their numbers, armed with AK 47 rifles and other dangerous weapons, in two vehicles attacked the rented building housing the Etim Ekpo Police 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 Edogi Bassey paid the supreme price while a small portion of the building was touched.
“The gunmen who proceeded to Ika Division to perpetuate their nefarious activities were again successfully repelled leaving the station intact without loss of lives or arms.
Describing the attacks as “unacceptable worrisome trend” MacDon said such incidents were being “addressed by the police hierarchy.
The Commissioner of Police (CP), Amiengheme Andrew ” is going round formations and divisions to ensure alertness and safety of officers, men and the people.
He called on law-abiding citizens to volunteer timely information that will enable the Police tackle the present security challenges.
