A’Ibom Police Go After Members of Proscribed Youths Group, Burn Base

Men of the Akwa Ibom State police command have set ablaze, the operational base of a proscribed youth group- the Ibom Youth Council-arresting three of its leaders, while some of them fled the operational headquarters.

The police high command said it had to descend on the group because there were evidence that the group had not only begun procuring arms but had also commenced military training, attacks on security formations and committed infractions on private property.

A statement by the police image maker, Timfon John on Thursday said “their plan was to launch a full-scale disruption of law and order in the closing days of 2024 and sustain the unrest into the New Year.”

The statement said the police decided to act in line with the directive of the governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to immediately end the nefarious activities of the group. John said “a joint security team, acting on credible intelligence, visited the building serving as the operational headquarters of the illegal group at Ikot Isighe, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.

“On arrival at the locus criminis, members of the group fled in different directions. The operation led to the arrest of three (3) suspects, and their headquarters was demolished. The security apparatus, with the full backing of the state government, is determined to use all legal means to maintain Akwa Ibom’s hard-earned status as the most peaceful state in the country.”

The police spokesperson urged Akwa Ibom citizens and residents to remain vigilant and share information about persons or groups engaging in activities capable of disturbing public peace, while also urging landlords to be cautious before leasing their properties to individuals or organizations.