The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has stepped up efforts to combat crime in the state, and recent arrests show both progress and challenges.
At a press briefing on Wednesday, Commissioner of Police Baba Azare spoke on multiple cases, and called on residents to be alert and work with the police to stay safe.
School Safety
A 13-year-old student of St. Paul Primary School, Eket LGA, sent frightening infiltrators into a classroom after allegedly pointing a locally made pistol at his schoolmates.
Based on a tip-off, the police arrested the boy on January 30.
He admitted to possessing the gun since November 2024, saying he found it in his father’s room.
The father has been detained and investigation is ongoing.
The incident highlights is the importsnce of parents to secure dangerous items and monitor their children’s activities closely.
In another case, two girls were arrested for stealing and selling a child in Obong Itam, Itu LGA, for ₦200,000.
The suspects used the money to buy household appliances, including a refrigerator and TV.
Police recovered the items and are tracing the buyer in Cross River State. Commissioner Azare also revealed another disturbing report: two girls were almost being trafficked to Cross River for forced surrogacy and child sales.
Gift Essien Tommy and Peace Ekanem are in custody for the syndicate.
These cases show the ugly reality of child trafficking and community vigilance.
Defilement Case
A distressing news from Nsit Ibom LGA as a 9-year-old girl was allegedly defiled by 60-year-old Aniefiok Edem.
The suspect reportedly lured the child into a bush, assaulted her and gave her ₦200.
The child’s mother reported the case on February 1 and Edem is now in the net.
The incident is a reminder to educate children on personal safety and report abuse promptly.
Cultism
The state police command also disclosed the arrest of other individuals for cultism, illegal firearm possession and drug related crimes.
Commissioner Azare restated the command’s determination to flush out criminals, saying “We will not stop until Akwa Ibom is crime free”.
He commended residents for their cooperation and asked for more.
“Timely information is key to prevention of crime”, he said, advising communities to report suspicious activities to the emergency lines or visit the nearest station.
These cases shows a mixture of youth involvement in crime, child exploitation and predatory behavior.
Parents, guardians and community leaders should have open conversation with children about safety, peer influence and responsible behavior.
(Source: Nigerian News Agency)
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