By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Akwa Ibom State have rescued two middle-aged women from being lynched by an angry mob in Uyo following a swift intervention triggered by the state Commissioner for Health, Ekem Emmanuel John.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the police condemned the incident, describing it as a “barbaric” act and a direct assault on human dignity and the rule of law.
The statement, signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, warned that anyone involved in mob violence, jungle justice, torture, or public assault would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
According to the police, one suspect has already been arrested in connection with the incident, while investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the mob action.
The command stated that the incident occurred on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at about 9:45 a.m. along Ring Road 3 in Uyo, where an irate crowd allegedly stripped the two women naked, physically assaulted them, and attempted to lynch them over allegations that had not been verified by lawful authorities.
“The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, who witnessed the horrifying scene while on his way to office, immediately took courageous and patriotic steps to save the victims by alerting the Police after observing that one of the women had already sustained severe injuries and was bleeding profusely,” the statement said.
Police operatives were subsequently deployed to the scene, where they dispersed the mob, rescued the victims, and rushed them to a medical facility for treatment.
According to the command, the women are currently receiving medical attention and responding positively to treatment.
The police further disclosed that preliminary investigations led to the arrest of Emediong Robert, a 22-year-old resident of Ikot Ekwere in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, who was allegedly inciting the mob and calling for the execution of the victims.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, has ordered a full investigation and manhunt for all individuals connected to the attack.
The police warned that the state would not tolerate acts of mob justice or unlawful violence under any guise.
“No allegation against any individual justifies public humiliation, torture, assault, or attempted murder. Every suspect remains innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction,” the statement added.
The command also commended the intervention of the health commissioner and urged residents to avoid taking the law into their hands by reporting suspected crimes to relevant security agencies for lawful investigation and prosecution.
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