Police Officer Killed As Gunmen Attack Stations In Akwa Ibom

A police officer has been killed after gunmen attacked two stations in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The attacks were said to have taken place in the early hours of Wednesday.

According to SP Odiko Macdon, spokesperson of the Akwa Ibom police command, the gunmen first struck at Etim Ekpo area command, where Edogi Bassey, an officer, was killed.

They later proceeded to Ika Divisional Police Station.

“At about 6:30am today, Armed Men, in their numbers, armed with AK 47 Rifles and other dangerous weapons, in two vehicles attacked the rented building housing the Etim Ekpo Area Command and Division”, he said.

“The undaunted and vigilant Police Officers on duty, gallantly fought back, repelled them and averted the intended carnage. Unfortunately, a dedicated Officer, one PC Edogi Bassey paid the supreme price while a small portion of the building was torched.

“The gunmen who proceeded to Ika Division to perpetrate their nefarious activities were successfully again repelled leaving the Station intact without loss of lives or arms”.

Macdon said the new trend of attacks on police stations has become worrisome, adding that it is being addressed by police authorities.

He said Commissioner of Police, Amiengheme Andrew, has embarked on a visit of police divisions across the state, to ensure that officers and men are alert and safe.

He called on Nigerians to volunteer timely information that will enable the police tackle the current security challenges.

The state governor, Udom Emmanuel, had on Monday donated N60 million to the families of deceased policemen killed during recent attacks on police stations.

“I condole with the command over the loss of men and assets to the recent security skirmishes witnessed in the state. I pray God’s consolation for the families of the policemen who lost their breadwinners.

“In addition to the financial support I have given the deceased families, we will do all within our power to support our men in uniform to end the new wave of criminality in the state,” he had stated.

Meanwhile, it was reported that gunmen also attacked and destroyed Godswill Akpabio’s Unity Hall in Essien Udim local government area early on Wednesday.

The town hall was said to have been built by Nse Ntuen, former house member who represented Essien Udim constituency in the state house of assembly.