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Tag: Akwa Ibom STate

  • Tragedy as father hacks son to death in Akwa Ibom

    Tragedy as father hacks son to death in Akwa Ibom

    The Police Command in Akwa Ibom has confirmed that Uyoatta Warrie hacked his son, Joseph Warrie, to death in Eket Local Government Area of the state.

    DSP Timfon John, the Police Public Relations Officer, disclosed the incident on Thursday in Eket.

    John said the incident happened on Sunday, June 1, at their residence, 4 Ediam Street, Idua in Eket at night.

    “The Police are aware of the incident, but an investigation has commenced to determine the root cause of the death of the boy.

    “Let the investigation review the actual true cause of the boy’s death, whether he was pushed or something else,” John said.

    A source who claimed to be anonymous said the mother of the victim owned a church close to their residence.

    He said the victim had a misunderstanding with his father, and broke a bottle to stab his father, but the father overpowered him and stabbed him with the knife.

    He was rushed to the hospital, but unfortunately, before getting there, he gave up the ghost.

    The father has been detained at Uqua Divisional Police Headquarters in Eket.

  • Road accident claims 6 lives in Akwa Ibom

    Road accident claims 6 lives in Akwa Ibom

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Akwa Ibom, says six persons have died in a fatal crash along Mbiabong Itam Road in Akwa Ibom.

    Mr Edward Odiete, the Sector Commander, FRSC Command in Akwa Ibom, disclosed this in Uyo on Thursday.

    Oduete said that the crash which involved a tricycle and a truck, occured at about 8.00a.m on Wednesday.

    “Four men, a woman and two children were involved in the crash. Three of the men, the woman and two children have been confirmed dead.

    “We mobilised to the scene on receiving the report, but the driver of the truck fled the crash scene before our arrival,” he said.

    The FRSC official said that the bodies of the deceased had been deposited in the morgue, and that the road had been cleared of the wreckage.

    Odiete said that the crash was caused by speeding and brake failure, and urged drivers to avoid speeding in the interest of their lives and that of others.

    “Motorists should avoid reckless driving, speeding, wrong-way drive, and distracted driving. Life is precious.

    “The incident would have been avoided if the driver and the tricycle rider observed certain degrees of safety measures and precautions,” he said.

    Odiete commiserated with the families of the deceased, and urged passengers to always shout out whenever drivers failed to observe safety precautions.

  • Midterm: Why I am succeeding – Gov Eno

    Midterm: Why I am succeeding – Gov Eno

    Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has attributed the success of his administration within two years in office to team work, public support and the grace of God.

    Eno who made the statement in Uyo on Thursday at a media interaction to mark his administration’s two years in office, thanked Akwa Ibom people for their support.

    “This administration has enjoyed enormous goodwill and support from Akwa Ibom people since it came on board on May 29, 2023.

    “I say it boldly, the team work from members of my cabinet, support from our people, and the grace of God have armed us to serve Akwa Ibom,” he said.

    The governor reassured Akwa Ibom people of his commitment to provide dividends of democracy in line with his administration’s Arise Agenda.

    He said that Akwa Ibom would witness more developments across the 31 local government areas of the state in the next two years.

    “We have the assessment of our government by independent organisations, I believe that we are on the right tract.

    “We have not reached our destination yet, but the midterm report of our first tenure shows me that we have gone above 50 per cent.

    “Take a look at all the indices of the ARISE Agenda from agriculture revolution, rural development, infrastructure development, security and education.

    “You will agree that we have been able to tick the boxes. We have things we can talk about that we have delivered intentionally,” he said.

    Eno urged Akwa Ibom people to get involved in farming as a deliberate way of bringing down the prices of essential food items.

    He said that the government would continue to provide farmers with farm inputs and grants to ensure food availability.

    The governor further said that the government would soon engage 31 computer teachers across the 31 model primary schools in the state to train pupils on ICT.

  • Police deny detaining popular social media influencer in Akwa Ibom

    Police deny detaining popular social media influencer in Akwa Ibom

    The Police Command in Akwa Ibom says it did not detain, Mrs Blossom Williams, an Akwa Ibom-based social media influencer and mother of three.

    DSP Timfon John, the command’s Public Relations Officer, disclosed this in an interview in Uyo on Friday.

    It would be recalled that Williams was recently reported to have been detained by the police at the instance of Daniel Eyakenyi, the state Deputy Governor’s son.

    Reports also had it that the social media influencer was detained because of her advocacy for good governance and the empowerment of communities in Oron Nation.

    Meanwhile, John said that the command was not aware of such detention, saying: ”We are not aware of such detention for now”.

    A source close to William’s family told newsmen in Uyo on Friday that the social media influencer, who was currently pregnant, was forcefully taken into custody on her way to the hospital.

    The source described the detention as not only politically motivated, but an abuse of power.

  • Police demote two inspectors for brutalizing Akwa Ibom poly students

    Police demote two inspectors for brutalizing Akwa Ibom poly students

    The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has sanctioned three officers namely, Insp. Festus James, Insp. Edet Edem and Constable Akpan Lawrence for professional misconduct, following a viral video that sparked public concern.

    DSP Timfon John, the command’s Public Relations Officer in a statement said they were sanctioned “in line with the command’s commitment to discipline, accountability, and respect for citizens’ rights,”‘ adding that the officers were subjected to an orderly room trial to ensure justice was served.

    The two Inspectors were reduced in rank to Sergeants while the Constable was given a major entry and placed on one month extra fatigue duty.

    She said they were charged with Discreditable Conduct, Unlawful and Unnecessary Exercise of Authority.

    According to her; after “a thorough and fair trial, the Adjudicating Officer found them guilty accordingly.

    “The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, upon reviewing the proceedings, upheld the judgement and further sent the proceedings to the AIG zone six who also upheld the outcome of the proceedings.

    “The Commissioner of police, Akwa Ibom State Police Command further expressed that the Nigeria Police Force under IGP Kayode Egbetokun, remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring officers conduct themselves with professionalism.

    “The Command assures the public that no act of misconduct will be tolerated, and erring officers will always be held accountable.

    “Citizens are encouraged to report any incidents of police misconduct through the Command’s official channels, ” She said.

    It would be recalled that the female student of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic in a video that surfaced on social media, narrated how she alongside her friends was brutalised by the police in Ikot Ekpene and money extorted from them.

    She said they were only allowed to go home around 12 midnight after being kept at the police station for several hours.

    In the video, she was pleading with the relevant authorities to save the students from constant harassment and extortion from the police.

    Following the video which went viral, students of the polytechnic staged a protest which attracted the attention of the state police command.

  • Navy arrests 9 suspected oil thieves in Akwa Ibom

    Navy arrests 9 suspected oil thieves in Akwa Ibom

    The Nigerian Navy, Operation Delta Sanity 2, has arrested nine suspected oil thieves at a wellhead, located at about 26 nautical miles offshore in Akwa Ibom.

    The Commander of NNS Jubilee, Commodore Abubakar Umar, stated this in a press briefing at Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area of the state on Saturday.

    He said that the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, flagged off Operation Delta Sanity 2 on Dec. 30, 2024 as a continuation of the mandate of Operation DELTA SANITY 1.

    He explained that the operation’s objective was to checkmate crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism, smuggling, sea robbery and piracy amongst other maritime crimes in the Eastern flank of the country’s maritime environment.

    Umar said that the objective aimed at increasing the country’s crude oil production.

    He added the since the launch of the operation, the Task Group had conducted series of maritime and air patrols as well as interdiction operations.

    He, however said that a wooden boat suspected to be carrying out act of economic sabotage with nine persons were arrested at the vicinity of one of the wellheads within Eastern Naval Command area of responsibility.

    Umar said the arrest was a result of joint intelligence collaboration between the security team of the Nigerian Navy and the Department of State Service (DSS).

    He said that the arrest demonstrated the Nigerian Navy’s resolve and commitment to reduce maritime-related crimes in the nation to the barest minimum.

    He said that the effort aligned with the desire of the Chief of Naval Staff,  Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, for a synergy between the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

    The Commander warned oil thieves and other criminal elements operating in the country’s  Eastern flank to desist from their acts of economic sabotage as the Navy was poised to deal ruthlessly with economic saboteurs.

    According to Umar, the suspects will be thoroughly investigated and if found wanting, they will face the full wrath of the law.

  • 13-year-old arrested for threatening schoolmates with pistol in Akwa Ibom

    13-year-old arrested for threatening schoolmates with pistol in Akwa Ibom

    The Police in Akwa Ibom have apprehended a 13-year-old pupil, suspected to have threatened the schoolmates with a pistol at St. Paul Primary School Ikot Ibiok, in Eket Local Government Area.

    The Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state, Mr Baba Azare, disclosed this during a press briefing in Uyo on Wednesday.

    Azare said the operatives of the Command acted on credible information, on Jan. 30, at about 0800 hours, that the boy was going about with pistol in the school, threatening to fire his fellow pupils.

    “The operatives of the command immediately swung into action, arrested the suspect and recovered a locally-made pistol.

    “On interrogation, the suspect confessed that he had been with the said gun since November 2024 and that he got the from a ward in his father’s bedroom.’’

    The CP said that the father of the suspect had been arrested and investigation had commenced on the matter.

    Azare also disclosed that the command arrested two young girls who conspired and stole a child in Obong Itam, Itu LGA in June 2024 and sold their victim for N200, 000 to someone in Cross River.

    He said that the suspects confessed to the crime, adding that they used the proceeds to purchase refrigerator, television and fan.

    He said that the items had been recovered from them and investigation was ongoing to arrest the buyer of the child.

    In another development, the CP said that two young girls reported a woman who attempted trafficking them to some men in Cross River for baby-making, selling of the expected babies and sharing of the proceeds.

    He said that based on the complaint on Feb.1 at about 0800hrs, the operatives of the command swung into action and arrested One Gift Essien Tommy (f) and One Peace Ekanem (f) while investigation was ongoing.

    Azare also disclosed that on  Feb.1, a woman from Afaha Offiong village in Nsit Ibom, reported that her nine-year-old daughter she sent on an errand on Jan. 31 at about 1600 hours was defiled.

    According to him, one Aniefiok Edem (male), age 60, dragged the nine-year-old girl into the bush, removed her clothes, had carnal knowledge of her and later gave her N200.

    The CP said that suspect would be charged to court as soon as investigations were concluded.

    Azare added that the command also apprehended other suspects involved in cult- related activities, unlawful possession of firearms and illicit drugs among others.

    He said the command would not relent in its efforts to rid the state of all crimes and criminalities.

    The CP urged residents of the state to continue to support the police with useful information to succeed.

  • Akwa Ibom deputy gov’s pregnant daughter dies during childbirth

    Akwa Ibom deputy gov’s pregnant daughter dies during childbirth

    Blessing, the daughter of the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Akon Eyakenyi, has passed away.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the deceased who tied the knot about seven months ago, died  in a Port Harcourt, Rivers State hospital from complications arising from childbirth.

    Condolences from government officials, politicians and friends have been pouring in for the bereaved family in their moment of grief.

    Details Later…

  • Akwa Ibom starts payment of N80,000 minimum wage

    Akwa Ibom starts payment of N80,000 minimum wage

    Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has authorised the payment of N80,000 minimum wage to civil servants in the state effective November, 2024.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ekerete Udoh in Uyo on Tuesday.

    Udoh said the authorisation of the payment was sequel to the submission of the Minimum Wage/Personnel Verification by the Head of Service, Mr Effiong Essien to the governor on Monday.

    The CPS said the payment would be made to only the 45,000 personnel that had been duly verified.

    “Governor Umo Eno has authorised the commencement of the payment of the new minimum wage of N80,000 to 45,000 duly verified public service workers, beginning at the end of this month but backdated to November, 2024,” Udoh said.

    The implementation committee on the minimum wage was set up by the governor in December 2024 to ensure a smooth payment.

  • 2025: Gov Eno talks tough against divisive politics in Akwa Ibom

    2025: Gov Eno talks tough against divisive politics in Akwa Ibom

    Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has enjoined people of the state to remain united and shun politics of division and personal destruction in 2025.

    Eno said made the call in his New Year broadcast to Akwa Ibom people on Wednesday in Uyo.

    The governor said he was committed to running an all inclusive government, where everyone would be carried along irrespective of party or religious affiliations.

    According to him, “as we usher in the New Year,  I enjoin us to remain united and shun politics of division and personal destruction.

    “We are committed to running an inclusive government, and we have demonstrated this approach in the last 18 months since we came in.

    “Politics should not divide us or severe our bonds of kindred ship, we are first and foremost Akwa Ibomites before we became members of  political parties.

    “Let us continue to hold our defined identity as a peaceful, prosperous and forward-looking people.

    “I will continue to run the state by involving and consulting our leaders across party lines because if we succeed, Akwa Ibom succeeds; and success, we will.”

    The governor assured the people of more dividends of democracy as he navigate the state to greater heights.

    He said in 2025, the state government would flag-off the construction of the Medical Village along the medical tourism corridor between the Ibom Specialist Hospital and the Raffia City of Ikot Ekpene.

    The governor added that the state government would formally launch the state Ambulance Services to complement the Insurance Scheme this year.

    Eno said that in 2025, the state government would hold power summit with commitment to improving on the power sector and bring rural development closer to the people.

    “In the New Year, in line with our avowed commitment to improve our power sector, we will reinvigorate our power system and also hold a Power Summit which will produce a step-by-step Road-map on Power for the state.

    “With this development,  Akwa Ibom State working with other key stakeholders in the power sector can generate, distribute, transmit and conduct sales of electricity within the state.

    “We are determined to turn around the fortunes of Ibom Power Plant.

    “The forensic audit earlier instituted is expected to submit its reports and we will study and implement some of the recommendations germane to our strategic plans,” he said.

    The governor added that in 2025, the state government would be receiving from the Nigerian Navy two passenger ferries for inter-state water travels between Akwa Ibom and Cross River to boost water transportation.