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38th ANNIVERSARY: GOV ENO CALLS FOR UNITY, COLLECTIVE EFFORT IN PURSUING A’IBOM PROJECT

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Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has emphasized the importance of sustained unity and collective effort amongst citizens and residents in driving the progress and growth of the State.

Speaking at a special inter-denominational thanksgiving service to mark the 38th anniversary of the state’s creation, held at the International Christian Worship Center, Uyo, the Governor urged the people to forgive one another and eschew unnecessary acrimony capable of truncating the peace and unity of the State.

“Let’s come together in love, forgive one another and let us move together. Let us plan and work for the common good of our State. That is my earnest desire. When I see people come together like this, irrespective of political parties, it gives me joy. Every patriotic citizen should be interested in the State,show some patriotism. That is what I think this unity is about.

“Let us rise above ethnicity. This is a clarion call; “Rise above Ethnicity,” rise above parochialism, hatred, deep seated hatred. You will not have any other state apart from this one. We have only one united Akwa Ibom. I took over  a united State of Akwa Ibom, and such shall I handover, nothing shall divide us,” he said.

He underscored the value of every leader’s contribution in the past,  committing to continue collaborating with past leaders,  showing respect for their services and honouring their legacies.

The Governor commended the great sense of unity, maturity and understanding shown by the leadership of the various political parties in the State, and also appreciated past leaders and stakeholders for turning up for the event.

Governor Eno thanked the people for their steadfastness, support and unwavering belief in the State to achieve greater impact and reminded the people of the ongoing INEC voters’ registration, urging them to get registered in readiness for the elections when the time comes.

He appreciated the Guests Speaker, Archbishop Emma Isong for his impactful message and also appreciated all religious leaders for their support and prayers, saying “It is on the wings of those prayers that God is helping us, and it is by the spirit himself that the State is being governed.”

The Governor also took out time to celebrate and pray for the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu on her 65th birthday, and commended her for her support and mentorship of his daughter, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki.

In his goodwill message on behalf of former Governors of the state, Col. Yakubu Bako (Rtd), felicitated the State for the 38th anniversary, saying Akwa Ibom is one of the few states that have established continuity in leadership, and commended Governor Eno for maintaining same.

He also commended all past leaders and especially the incumbent, Governor Eno for contributing their quota to the development of the state,which, he said, has been transformed from a glorified local government to a destination of choice for Nigerians.

Speaking on behalf of women, the state’s Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, said they were delighted with the inclusive leadership of the Governor, and assured that just as the women in the Bible stood with Jesus till the end, the women of Akwa Ibom State would support him till the end of his administration in 2031.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Senator Ekong Sampson, said the full presence of National Assembly members underscored the partnership between the National Assembly and the State Government, stressing that it would continue to maintain the partnership to ensure that Akwa Ibom will continue to move forward.

The Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, Odidem Bassey Etim Edet who spoke on behalf of the President General, Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, Nteyin Solomon Etuk, praised Governor Eno for working selflessly to better the lot of the people and the State, praying God to continue to imbue him with more grace and wisdom.

In his remark, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Archbishop Chris Nyong, appreciated God for his overwhelming blessings on the State and its people, and  commended Governor Eno for his Christ- centric leadership disposition, and for embarking on several completed, ongoing and soon to be started impactful projects.

Others who spoke included the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Udeme Otong, Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo; Chief Judge of the State represented by Justice Winifred Umohandi, and Prelate (Prof.) Isaiah Isong, who, in glowing terms, applauded the giant strides of the Umo Eno led- administration.

In his homily, the Guest Speaker, Archbishop Emmah Isong, preaching on the theme: “Behold How Good and How Pleasant,” taken from Psalm 133:1-3, said Akwa Ibom is mature enough at 38 years, to arise to the faith of greatness.

Archbishop Isong who is the National Vice President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (South South), said for the State to actualise its vision of living together in unity, its citizens must imbibe the spirit of respect and support for leadership, maturity and forgiveness, as well as eschew ungodly secret plots against leadership and against one another.

The occasion which saw the Coordinator of the Office of the State First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, taking the only Bible reading from Psalm 133:1-3, featured sessions of inspirational praises, worship, choir ministrations, and prayers.

In attendance at the occasion  were Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Senator Bassey Albert, former Military Administrator, Group Captain John Ebiye, other leaders of the State, members of the State Executive Council, members of the political class, captains of industry, Royal Fathers, and Christian faithful across the State.

Crime

TWO SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBERS LINKED TO MURDER AND KIDNAPPING IN ETINAN IN POLICE NET

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The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in the investigation into an armed robbery operation during which one person was murdered and another kidnapped at Ikot Itienang Village, Ekom Iman, Etinan Local Government Area, on July 12, 2026.

Following a petition on the incident addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, a team of detectives from the Command promptly commenced an intelligence-led investigation aimed at identifying and apprehending those responsible for the heinous crime.

The painstaking investigation according to a Press Statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, led to the arrest of two suspected members of the armed robbery gang identified as one Gospel Effiong, a.k.a. “Python,” and Solomon Okon, a.k.a. “Plane,”

In the course of the investigation, two other suspects were also arrested in connection with the crime. They are Musa Kabiru, a native of Plateau State, alleged to be a receiver of some of the stolen items, and Victor Dickson.

During the operation, the following items were recovered from the residence of one of the arrested suspects, Solomon Okon a.k.a. “Plane”:

* A locally made pistol with one cartridge;
* A large quantity of suspected Indian hemp;
* A red cap bearing the inscription “Supreme Red Skin Confraternity”;
* item suspected to be charm; and
* Other incriminating items relevant to the ongoing investigation.

The Command views the development as a major step forward in its efforts to dismantle criminal networks responsible for violent crimes and to bring perpetrators of murder, kidnapping and armed robbery to justice.

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, Mnipr, commends the detectives for their diligence, professionalism and intelligence-led approach to the investigation.

The Commissioner reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that persons involved in violent crimes are identified, apprehended and made to face the full weight of the law.

Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing the Police with credible and timely information that could assist in tracking down fleeing suspects and preventing criminal activities across the State.

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Crime

Police arrests five drug dealers, recovers illicit drugs in Mbak Itam, Ikot Mbang

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The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has announced the arrest of five suspects over illicit drug related offences.

The command under the leadership of CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, recorded this significant operational breakthrough in its sustained efforts to rid the State of criminal hideouts, illicit drug activities and other forms of criminality.

In a statement made available to newsmen by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the operation was conducted in furtherance of the Commissioner of Police’s operation Zero Black Spot and sustained directive to deny criminals safe havens across the State.

Following credible intelligence received by operatives of the Command.
On 11 August 2026, at about 1600hrs, operatives of the Command conducted a targeted raid on a suspected criminal hideout at Mbak Itam, Ikot Mbang.

During the operation, five suspects believed to be involved in the illicit distribution and sale of controlled substances were arrested. They are:

1. Abraham Emmanuel (male)
2. Happiness Archibong (female)
3. Esther Okon (female)
4. Esther Udo (female)
5. Chinedu Benjamin (male)

Several other suspects fled the scene upon sighting the Police vehicle.

Items recovered from the suspects include large quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, Tramadol, Loud, Ice, as well as the sum of ₦42,000.00, suspected to be proceeds connected to the illicit drug trade.

The Commissioner of Police has commended the operatives for their courage, vigilance and commitment to duty, while reiterating that the Command will continue to sustain intelligence-led operations against criminal elements, particularly those who exploit isolated locations as bases for drug trafficking, cultism and other violent crimes.

The Command wishes to make it unequivocally clear that there will be no safe haven for criminals in Akwa Ibom State. The ongoing Zero Black Spot initiative is aimed at identifying, disrupting and dismantling locations being used to facilitate criminal activities, while strengthening security and public confidence across communities.

The Command therefore calls on members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information that can assist the Police in preventing and detecting crime.

 

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Crime

POLICE RECOVERS STOLEN HILUX, ARRESTS SUSPECTED CULTIST WITH THREE LIVE CARTRIDGES

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The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another operational breakthrough in its sustained fight against cultism, vehicle theft and other criminal activities across the State.

According to a Press statement signed by DSP Timfon John and made available to newsmen in Uyo on Monday 10th August 2026, two men were sighted by Operatives of the command while on routine patrol on 7th August, 2026 at about 1500hrs in possession of a Toyota Hilux with black bonnet and registration number NYA 399 AA, earlier reported stolen the previous day 6 August 2026 at Udo Eduok Street, off Aka Road, Uyo.

On sighting the Police, the suspects fled and were pursued to a non-motorable road, where they abandoned the vehicle and escaped into the bush.

The owner, one Mr. Reginald, was contacted who subsequently identified the recovered vehicle as his property. The vehicle has been recovered and is currently undergoing investigation while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

In a separate operation at about 2330hrs the same day, operatives of the Command while conducting stop-and-search along Abak Road by the Federal Secretariat, Uyo, arrested one Emmanuel Emmanson, 21, of Mkpat Enin LGA, and recovered three live cartridges from him.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly confessed to being a member of the Black Axe Confraternity and stated that the cartridges were intended for a cult initiation exercise in a bush.

The suspect remains in custody as investigation continues, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected unlawful group.

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, commends the operatives for their vigilance and professionalism, and assures members of the public that the Command will sustain intelligence-led operations and other proactive policing strategies to protect lives and property.

The Command urges members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles and activities to the Police.

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