By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
The Police in Akwa Ibom has successfully rescued two abducted persons following a communal crisis involving Eden Idim Okpot and Odoro Atasung communities in Nsit Ubium Local Council of the state.
It has also warned criminal elements to stay clear of JAMB CBT centres or risk going to jail.
A statement by the State PPRO, Timfon John in Uyo on Friday said that the two men were said to have gone to harvest palm fruits in a disputed piece of land between the two communities when they were abducted but have been rescued unhurt and have since been reunited with their
According to the statement, “at about 8:19 PM, credible intelligence revealed some individuals from Edem Idim Okpot Village attacked indigenes of Odoro Atasung Village who had gone to harvest palm fruits in a swampy area reportedly under dispute.
“During the attack, two persons, One Mr. Sunday, aged 68 and One Mr. Samuel, aged 41 were abducted and taken to an unknown destination.
“Acting promptly on the information, Operatives of the Command stormed the suspected hideout of the abductors in the early hours of April 16, 2026, at about 6:10 AM. On sighting the Police, the suspects fled the scene, abandoning their captives.
“”During the operation, one locally made short gun and a live cartridge were recovered from the scene. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.” It explained.
It further added that preliminary investigations indicated that the incident is connected to a long-standing dispute over the ownership of the palm fruit plantation, which is currently pending before a Customary Court in Ikot Ubo Village.
“In a bid to prevent further breakdown of law and order, the Police have invited the leadership of both communities for a peace meeting aimed at fostering dialogue and resolving the conflict amicably.
“The Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare warns all parties involved to refrain from taking law into their own hands and to allow due legal processes to take their course. The Command reiterates its commitment to maintaining peace and security across the State and assures residents that decisive action will be taken against anyone found culpable.” It concluded.
In another developement, the Command has assured candidates participating in the ongoing JAMB Computer-Based Test (CBT) examinations, that adequate security measures have been put in place across all examination centres in the State to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free exercise.
“The Command hereby issues a strong warning to all criminal elements and individuals without legitimate business at the examination centres to stay clear of these venues throughout the duration of the examinations.
“Any person found loitering, attempting to disrupt the process, or engaging in any form of examination malpractice or criminal activity will be promptly arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.” A Police statement said.
It advised parents and guardians to drop off their wards and refrain from unnecessary gatherings around the examination centres while only accredited candidates, examination officials, and authorized personnel would be granted access to the designated premises.
“The Command remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of the examination process and ensuring the safety of all participants. Officers have been strategically deployed across the State, while surveillance operations are ongoing to detect and deter any potential security threats.” It said.
