The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has confirmed that 29 out of the 65 suspects arrested in connection with the recent cult clashes in the state have been found culpable and will be prosecuted.
The clashes involved the Klaans and Black Axe confraternities who were fighting for control of parks and toll collections, leading to the deaths of at least 26 people. The state government has also raised an alarm over the alleged stockpiling of high-caliber guns and small arms in some oil-bearing communities, prompting the deployment of more operatives to forestall any breach of peace.
According to the State Police spokesman, SP Odiko Macdon, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olatoye Durosinmi, has ordered the prosecution of the 29 suspects after a thorough screening of the earlier apprehended 65 persons. The suspects have been taken to court and remanded at the Ikot Ekpene Correctional Centre.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Iniobong Ememobong, confirmed the state government’s possession of credible intelligence concerning arms stockpile by unpatriotic elements to orchestrate violence. However, he allayed the fears of the public, assuring them that proactive measures had been put in place to contain the anticipated skirmishes.
In response to the alarm raised by the state government, more operatives have been deployed to the troubled LGAs, including Eastern Obolo, Ikot Abasi, and others. The Commissioner of Police has also released additional Tactical Resources to identify culprits who are at large and their sponsors, promising to bring them to book within the shortest time possible.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Macdon, solicits the cooperation of Akwa Ibomites in providing information and urges law-abiding members of the public to proceed with their normal routine as the affected areas are calm and peaceful. While the command is sparing no resources in restoring normalcy, the Commissioner of Police has called on those concerned to give peace a chance and relevant State and non-State actors to intensify their interface to restore peace.
In conclusion, the recent cult clashes in Akwa Ibom State have prompted the deployment of more operatives to troubled areas and the prosecution of 29 out of the 65 suspects arrested. The state government has also raised an alarm over the alleged stockpiling of high-caliber guns and small arms in some oil-bearing communities, but the Commissioner of Police has assured the public of proactive measures to contain anticipated skirmishes