By Emmanuel Ntekim
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has successfully rescued two abducted persons and recovered a firearm following a swift, intelligence-led operation in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.
The incident occurred on April 15, 2026, at about 8:19 p.m., when credible intelligence revealed that individuals from Edem Idim Okpot Village attacked indigenes of Odoro Atasung Village who had gone to harvest palm fruits in a swampy area reportedly under dispute.
During the attack, two persons, Mr. Sunday, 68, and Mr. Samuel, 41, were abducted and taken to an unknown destination.
Acting promptly on the information, operatives of the Command stormed the suspected hideout of the abductors in the early hours of April 16, 2026, at about 6:10 a.m. On sighting the police, the suspects fled the scene, abandoning their captives.
Both victims were rescued unhurt and have since been reunited with their families.
According to a statement made available to WatchmanPost and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, one locally made short gun and a live cartridge were recovered during the operation.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident is linked to a long-standing dispute over the ownership of the palm fruit plantation, which is currently before a Customary Court in Ikot Ubo Village.
To prevent further breakdown of law and order, the police have invited the leadership of both communities to a peace meeting aimed at fostering dialogue and resolving the conflict amicably.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has warned all parties involved to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and to allow due legal processes to take their course.
The Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state and assured residents that decisive action will be taken against anyone found culpable.
