“We Will Crush Promoters Of Communal, Herders/Farmer Clashes”, Vows Akwa Ibom Police Command

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Akwa Ibom State Police authorities on Monday January 13, 2025, pledged to address the  incessant cases of herders/farmers clashes.

This is even as the State Commissioner of Police Baba Muhammad Azare, warned would-be trouble-makers to stay away from the State.

At a media briefing , the newly assigned Police Chief, vowed to ensure that all parties in the State observe and respect the provisions of the State’s law on grazing .

He affirmed the readiness of the Command  to prosecute anybody arrested in connection with flouting the extant grazing laws of the State

“I assure you that the Akwa Ibom state Police Command is committed to addressing the security challenges facing our State.

“We are aware of issues such as Fulani herdesmen encroaching on farms and destroying crops ,as well as senseless attacks on Fulani cows by troublemakers .

“Let it be clear that the Police will not fold their arms and allow miscreants to unleash terror on law abiding citizens.

“The State has a law on grazing, and we will ensure full compliance with its provisions. Anyone arrested in connection with these crimes will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law”,  CP Azare stated.

He also assured of the determination of the Police in the State to pay adequate attention to the problem of  communal clashes .

According to him, the Police has commenced the methodical profiling of the sponsors of communal clashes with a view to ensuring that they are held accountable for their actions.

“The Youth in these areas must be protected from exploitation by some selfish individuals. However,  to achieve our goals, we need the support and cooperation of all stakeholders, particularly, traditional rulers, the media and other partners  in the State.

“Akwa Ibom must be free from all forms of criminal activities. This is our mission. We believe that community policing is key to maintaining peace and security and we cannot achieve this alone, “the CP noted.

He emphasized the need for all stakeholders in the stake to assist the police  in the area of identifying and addressing t

some of the root causes of crime and insecurity in the state .

To underscore the Command’s seriousness in exploring collaborative efforts in confronting the security situation in the state,CP Muhammad informed that a directive has been issued for all Command Officers  ( DCPs ,ACP’s ,DPO’s Tactical Commanders and the police Control Room) to avail the public their telephone contacts.

The CP solicited the understanding ,support and cooperation of the media ,in the task of adequately  policing the state .

” Having served in the Public Relations Unit ,and worked closely with the media ,I understand the importance of accurate and timely reporting of information .

I assure you that we will work together to ensure that the public is well informed about our activities and initiatives. As we work together ,I want to assure you of an open-door policy ,with lines of communication always accessible

Let me assure you that the era of ” all efforts to speak with the police proved abortive” is over .

The police commissioner,explained that ,following the complaints by the Governor ,Dr Umo Eno over the rising cases of vandalization of transformers and other public facilities ,the Command has upscaled its surveillance efforts across the state .

The effort according to him.,has started yielding fruits ,with the arrest of some persons attempting to vandalize a transformer belonging to Sure Foundation Polytechnic in Ikot Atai ,Ukanafun Local Council.

The CP promised to make the state ,an unfriendly one for all criminal elements .