The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested eight persons in connection with alleged acts capable of causing a breach of public peace during a recent public disturbance in the state, while dismissing reports that police officers fired shots during the incident.
The Command, in a statement issued in Uyo on Thursday by its Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said no shooting incident was recorded and no gunshot injury had been reported in connection with the disturbance.
According to the statement, police personnel deployed to maintain law and order acted with “professionalism and restraint,” adding that no firearm was discharged by officers during the operation.
The eight arrested persons, it said, were taken into custody for allegedly engaging in acts capable of disrupting public peace and disregarding lawful security directives.
“The arrested persons are currently assisting the Police with ongoing investigations, and anyone found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” the statement said.
The Command said the development had not affected the prevailing peace in Akwa Ibom, urging residents to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Commanders and other operational personnel across the state to remain vigilant while maintaining the highest level of professionalism and restraint.
Azare also directed officers to respect the rights of citizens in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The Commissioner warned, however, that while the Command would continue to protect the lawful rights of residents, no individual or group would be allowed to use any guise to cause violence, intimidate members of the public or disrupt peace in the state.
The Command also appealed to residents to disregard rumours and unverified reports capable of generating fear and tension.
It particularly urged media practitioners, bloggers, social media users and content creators to verify security-related information through appropriate channels before publishing such reports.
The Police said its priority remained the protection of lives and property and the preservation of peace across the state.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Akwa Ibom State remains calm. No shooting incident was recorded, no gunshot injury was reported, and eight persons were arrested in connection with the disturbance,” the statement said.
