Eight in custody over public disturbance in A’Ibom

File Photo: Akwa Ibom State Police PRO, Timfon John.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested eight persons over alleged acts capable of causing a breach of public peace and defiance of lawful security directives during a recent public disturbance in the state.

The command also dismissed reports that shots were fired during the incident, saying none of its personnel discharged firearms during the operation.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare.

John said the police personnel deployed to maintain law and order acted with professionalism and restraint.

“The command wishes to state clearly that no shooting incident was recorded in connection with the incident under reference. Police personnel deployed to maintain law and order acted with professionalism and restraint, and no firearm was discharged by police officers during the operation,” she stated.

The PPRO added that no gunshot injury had been recorded or reported to the command.

She said the eight arrested persons were assisting the police with the ongoing investigation, adding that anyone found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

John said the CP had directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Commanders and operational personnel across the state to remain vigilant while maintaining peace with professionalism, restraint and respect for citizens’ rights.

The CP also warned that the command would not allow any individual or group to use any guise to cause violence, intimidate members of the public or disrupt the prevailing peace in the state.

“While the Command will continue to protect the lawful rights of every resident, no individual or group will be permitted to hide under any guise to cause violence, intimidate members of the public or disrupt the prevailing peace in Akwa Ibom State,” John stated.

The command urged residents to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities, while advising them to disregard rumours and unverified reports capable of causing fear and tension.

It also appealed to media practitioners, bloggers, social media users and content creators to verify security-related information through appropriate channels before publication.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Akwa Ibom State remains calm. No shooting incident was recorded, no gunshot injury was reported, and eight persons were arrested in connection with the disturbance,” the command stated.

The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace and security across the state.