Five in police custody for fake abduction claim in A’Ibom

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The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested five suspects behind the fabrication and circulation of a false kidnapping incident in Oron Local Government Area of the state.

The state Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing newsmen during a security meeting with youth presidents and leaders across the 31 Local Government Areas.

He described the suspects’ actions as reckless, dangerous, and capable of inciting panic and undermining public peace.

He said, “Five suspects who fabricated and circulated a false kidnapping incident involving students of Oron Secondary School have been arrested and were charged in court this morning. Their actions were reckless, dangerous and capable of inciting panic and undermining public confidence.”

The CP assured the public that the command would continue to take decisive action against anyone who spreads misinformation or attempts to destabilise the peace of the state.

He urged youth leaders to champion truth, promote responsible social media use, and counter false narratives that could disrupt public order.

While emphasising the need for stronger collaboration with Divisional Police Officers to ensure early detection of threats and swift resolution of emerging issues, Azare advised the youths to prioritise dialogue rather than confrontation in their engagements with contractors and investors in their communities.

He said, “I urge you to prioritise dialogue over confrontation, especially in engagements with investors, contractors, and development partners operating within your communities. Peaceful dialogue promotes development and fosters trust, while confrontational approaches undermine progress and tarnish community reputation.”

The CP also informed the youth leaders about the government’s directive confining masquerader activities strictly to village or town hall squares across the state.

He clarified that, in line with the law, any community wishing to hold masquerader activities must first seek formal permission from the CP, after which the command would provide adequate security to ensure peaceful and orderly conduct.

He warned that unauthorised masquerade outings would not be tolerated and urged youth leaders to sensitise their communities accordingly.

Azare also issued a strong warning against jungle justice, describing the act as unlawful, barbaric, and capable of triggering widespread violence. He stressed that no individual or group had the right to take the law into their own hands and warned that anyone involved in mob action would be arrested and prosecuted.

Responding, a representative of youth leaders from the Eket Senatorial District, Mr Ulap Afahakan, appreciated the CP for his leadership in maintaining peace, order, and security in the state.

He pledged that the youths would continue to cooperate with and support the police in tackling insecurity.

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