By Patrick Titus, Uyo
A media report that unknown gunmen have raided students’ lodge, abducted 15 and stole valuables in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State is misleading, the State Police Command has said in a statement.
A local tabloid had reported with a headline: ”Unknown gunmen raid students lodge,” claiming that the alleged assailants abducted 15 students and carted away valuables in Ikot-Ekpene, which has generated concerns in Uyo, the state capital.
But a statement on Sunday in Uyo, by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, clarified that there was no such incident of abduction as reported in the media.
“The attention of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has been drawn to a misleading publication in the media that armed men had raided students’ lodge, abducted 15 students and carted away valuables in Ikot Ekpene.
“The Command wishes to categorically state that the incident was not an abduction by unknown gunmen and no student was abducted from the lodge.
“It is imperative to set the record straight and reassure the general public that the operation in question was a lawfully conducted exercise by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Uyo Zonal Office.
”For clarity, the Command, on October 24, 2025, at about 0430hrs, received a distress call alleging an armed robbery operation at Ikot Uboh Village, Ikot Ekpene.”
DSP John further clarified that the police team mobilised to the scene, cordoned off the area, to engage the supposed threat.
”Upon arrival at the scene and subsequent professional challenge by our officers, it was established that the operatives at the location were from the EFCC, conducting a sanctioned operation. Some persons were arrested by the EFCC during the operation and not abducted as claimed by the media report.
”While we acknowledge the vital role of the press in society, we urge journalists and media houses to cross-check facts with the Police Command before publishing stories of this nature, as inaccurate reporting is capable of causing unnecessary panic,” the PPRO added.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Baba Azare, the statement added, has commended the officers involved for their professional conduct and restraint, which averted a potentially ugly incident.
He also urged all law enforcement agencies to always notify and synergise with the police as the lead security agency in the state when carrying out operations within their Area of Responsibility (AOR) to prevent such mix-ups.
”Our doors are always open to journalists and members of the public who seek to verify any security-related information.
“The command remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors in Akwa Ibom State,” the statement added.
