…move to settle communal crisis
AKWA IBOM STATE POLICE COMMAND
PRESS RELEASE
POLICE RESCUE ABDUCTED VICTIMS, RECOVER FIREARM IN NSIT UBIUM; MOVE TO RESOLVE COMMUNAL DISPUTE
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has successfully rescued two abducted persons and recovered a firearm following a swift intelligence-led operation in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.
On the 15th of April, 2026, at about 8:19 PM, credible intelligence revealed that 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, OneMr. 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.
Both victims were rescued unhurt and have since been reunited with their families.
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.
Preliminary investigations indicate 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, CP Baba Mohammed Azare fsi, 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.
Signed:
DSP Timfon John, LLB, Anipr
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police
Akwa Ibom State Command
17/4/2026
