Ibeno Clan Council commend Police raid, links suspect to Coastal crimes

Tony Okoh, Uyo

The Ibeno Clan Council has commended the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for its recent security operations in Ibeno Local Government Area, describing the recovery of a firearm and suspected illicit drugs as a significant step towards restoring peace and safety across the coastal communities.

Reacting to the police raid, the Secretary of Ibeno Clan Council, Chief Okon Udofia, praised the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, and officers of the command for their commitment to combating crime and protecting residents.

Chief Okon said the council was particularly encouraged by the police action, which comes amid heightened concerns over criminal activities allegedly linked to a suspected notorious criminal identified as Esio, said to be from Etebi in Esit Eket Local Government Area and an alleged mercenary used by the Ekid People’s Union (EPU) to implement their purported ‘Doctrine of Necessity’ in the area.

According to the council, community reports have associated the suspect with a series of violent crimes within Ibeno coastal communities, including allegations of involvement in murder cases in both Etebi in Esit Eket and Ndito Eka Iba in Ibeno LGAs.

He was also alleged to have relocated to Itak Ifaha in Ibeno after fleeing his community in Esit Eket.

“The Ibeno Clan Council wishes to commend the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for its professionalism and determination in tackling criminal activities within our coastal communities.

The recent recovery of a firearm and suspected hard drugs demonstrates that the police are committed to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice,” Chief Okon stated.

He noted that relatives of alleged victims had reportedly provided investigators with photographs and other information to aid ongoing investigations, stressing that all allegations should be thoroughly examined by law enforcement agencies.

The council further described the police operation as a breakthrough in the fight against crime, expressing optimism that sustained security efforts would help curb cultism, illegal drug activities, armed violence, and other threats to public safety.

Chief Okon urged residents of Ibeno and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with credible information that could assist in identifying criminal elements operating within the area.

He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to collaborating with security agencies and community stakeholders to ensure that Ibeno remains peaceful and secure for residents, investors, and visitors.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command had earlier announced the recovery of a locally made pistol, a large quantity of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, and several wraps of suspected hard drugs during an intelligence-led operation in Ibeno.

The Clan Council, however, expressed dismay that the Police did not disclose the suspect’s identity as Esio, and his community Etebi, to corroborate their investigation in line with the global best practices until relatives provided the investigators with photographs and allied information to aid screening.

Police authorities said investigations were ongoing to identify and apprehend persons connected with the recovered exhibits.