Bandits kill policeman as many feared dead in A’Ibom community

Emmanuel Ufon

A riot policeman has reportedly been killed as policemen in a counterattack shot dead one suspected Eastern Security Network operative, one Imo John Udo, who hailed from Ikot Edem Udo, Okon cland in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The attack, which was said happen on Sunday, June 13, 2021 around 4.30 am, led to many people being feared dead.

It was learnt that the suspected terrorists invaded the community on motorbikes, and immediately opened fire directly on the police station.

Eyewitnesses said the operation lasted for some minutes as men of the Police Quick Intervention Unit (QIU) with their counterpart from Ikot Ekpene Area Command, confronted the outlaws in a gun battle.

According to the witnesses’ account, the suspected ESN operative was gun down in the encounter.

Members of Ikono/Ini media Professionals Global Service Ltd, who arrived at the scene on the tip of information in the early hours of the day, saidday, noted that police recovered the abandoned motorbikes.

The media team stated that the police got a standing ovation for their swift response to the incident and the killing of the hoodlum.

It was gathered that the team led by the organisation Chairman and Chief Executive officer, Mr Emmanuel Effiong, confirmed the happening.

The chairman also condoled with the family of the police officer who paid the supreme price in service to the nation and called on the government at all levels including the people of Ikono/Ini to identify with the family during the difficult moments.

“Immediately we got the information, my team moved in there to ascertain the true situation, to help nip in the bud the reoccurrence of such ugly situation, though security information should not be made public.

“With our Board of Trustee, Distinguished Senator Aloysius Etok, our Editorial Chairman, Dr Udeme Nana we will partner with other public-spirited sons and daughters of the area to ensure that we put in place together with the Police and government CCTV cameras that will monitor and report their movement including that of Nkari which is always a recurring decimal,” he said.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Odiko Macdon, when contacted said his men were on top of the situation, adding that he would soon speak with the press on what had happened.