By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom Police Command has arrested a middle-aged man suspected of kidnapping five children from the same parents in Mbiakpan Ikot Idim village, Obio Ibiono, in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, disclosed this in a press briefing in Uyo yesterday and also announced the safe recovery of the five children, who were unharmed.
Eribo explained that on November 14, the command received a distress call from a woman reporting that an unknown man on a motorcycle had abducted her five children.
“The command’s operatives quickly swung into action, joined by villagers from Mbiakpan Ikot Idim and Obio Ibiono. The suspect was pursued and arrested at Obio Ibiono. The five children were rescued unharmed and reunited with their parents,” he said.
He also confirmed that the motorcycle used in the crime was recovered.
In a separate incident, Eribo revealed that on November 27, at approximately 7:40 p.m., while on patrol along the Ikot Ekpene/Uyo Highway, the police received a distress call from a woman whose husband was being attacked by armed assailants attempting to kidnap him.
The operatives responded swiftly, and upon reaching the scene, the armed assailants opened fire in an attempt to escape, resulting in a gunfight between the police and the assailants. During the exchange of fire, one suspect was neutralized, while others fled the scene on a motorcycle.
“The following items were recovered from the scene: one cut-to-size AK-47 rifle, four rounds of ammunition, one empty shell, one bag containing substances suspected to be charms, and one business card bearing the name of a certain individual,” Eribo stated.
In addition, the commissioner disclosed that the command had raided a gun factory based on credible intelligence. During the operation, they arrested a notorious gun runner and seized firearms and equipment used in the production of guns.
“Based on information received, operatives raided a gun-making factory where firearms of various makes were fabricated and sold to criminals. One male suspect was arrested, while his father and brothers, who also ran the business, managed to flee. The following items were recovered: seven newly made single-barrel guns, five newly made double-barrel guns, one special steel double-trigger pistol, and one broken single-barrel gun,” Eribo said.
The commissioner assured the public that all suspects would be charged in court once investigations are completed. He further emphasized the command’s commitment to intensifying efforts against crime and ensuring the protection of lives and property.
