Crime upsurge: A’Ibom police tighten security, come hard on tricycle riders

Samuel Ogenyi

The police in Akwa Ibom have said they have deployed additional personnel to dominate public space following a recent upsurge in criminal activities in Uyo and environs.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Command, Macdon Odiko, in a statement in Uyo on Tuesday, noted that the action was in line with the command’s annual security arrangement to ensure that residents celebrate the yuletide in peace.

According to the statement, the police and other security agencies would take advantage of the recently donated patrol vehicles by Governor Udom Emmanuel as part of the 100 vehicles to be deployed to contain crimes in the state.

“The police have been inundated with some criminal elements involved in car snatching, robberies, and other heinous crimes within the Uyo metropolis and other parts of the state, leaving the people dispossessed in trepidation: a trend that is totally unacceptable.

“The police and other security agencies cannot fold their hands and watch hoodlums have a field day without taking steps to maintain law and order.

“Hence, the Commissioner of Police, Amiengheme Andrew, has deployed additional personnel for the Joint Task Force, initiated by His Excellency, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Deacon Udom Emmanuel to provide watertight security within Uyo metropolis and other parts of the state to stem the tide of criminal activities and restore normalcy,” the statement read.

To further strengthen emplaced strategies, the command  has banned the use of the black leather shield intended to prevent water during rainfall on tricycles, which according to them is now being used by unscrupulous elements to conceal victims of robbery, abduction, one chance and other heinous crimes.

“The Commissioner of Police further notes that henceforth, all riders of Keke Napep are to put on their inner lights from 7pm to enable security operatives and members of the public see those inside the tricycles.

“As celebrations during the yuletide gathers momentum, and for a hitch-free celebration, the CP has further banned the use of fireworks and knockouts around in the state.

“However, for the avoidance of doubt, the Commissioner of Police has issued clear directives and taken drastic steps on the current turn of events. It will therefore be in the interest of those perpetrating these crimes to desist forthwith or quickly leave the state or be willing to bear the imminent waterloo that awaits them,” it added.

The statement urged residents to avail the police and other security agencies with credible information to make the state crime-free.