The Akwa Ibom State Police Command yesterday paraded no fewer than ten suspected looters and arsonists who under the guise of the EndSARS protests allegedly broke into some government and private establishments in Uyo and carted away goods.
Persons arrested were Victor Udoeka Effiong, Imedimfon Ime James Isaac John Udoh, Sunday Michael James, Wisdom Godswill Reuben, Ntiefon Ime Robbert, Akaninyene Abraham Livinus, Imoh Enobong Sunday, Isaac Sunday Udo, all males and Emediong Michael James, female.
Parading the suspects at the command’s headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia, the commissioner of police, Mr.Amiengheme Andrew said the hoodlums vandalised De Choice shopping Mall, LG Showroom, Access Bank, Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation Office.
He said the items recovered were 14 deep freezers, six refrigerators, eight flat screen television sets, four water dispensers, 16bags of rice, four air conditioners, a printer, chairs, and other items.
The police boss said the items were recovered in less than 24 hours after looting had taken place.
“It is with a heart full of pains that I address you today. The events of the last 24 hours have given me and every concerned Akwa Ibomite a great course for concern.
“Yesterday, some youths with evil intentions in the guise of #ENDSARS went about vandalizing, looting and burning some government and private property including the Akwa Ibom State Broadcasting Corporation, Anchor Insurance, De Choice Shopping Mall, L.G showroom, and Access Bank Plc.
“I have visited all the said places today with my deputy commissioner of police, operations, DCP Auwal M. Mohammad, and have made an on-the-spot assessment of the damage done.
“I commend the state government’s timely intervention through the imposition of a curfew as I today went round to ensure strict compliance, and we will continue to do so.
“I am, however, delighted to inform you that our quick deployment of anti-riot policemen in conjunction with the efforts of sister security agencies such as the Army and DSS, and the efforts of the state government has restored normalcy in Uyo and the State in general.
“However, the Command’s efforts have yielded positive results leading to the arrest of the following persons: Victor Udoeka Effiong ‘m’, Emediong Michael James ‘f’, Imedimfon Ime James ‘m’, Isaac John Udoh ‘m’, Sunday Michael James ‘m’, Wisdom Godswill Reuben ‘m’, Ntiefon Ime Robbert, Akaninyene Abraham Livinus ‘m’, Imoh Enobong Sunday, Isaac Sunday Udo ‘m’,
“The recovery of stolen property worth millions of naira, as you can see here displayed. They include the following; fourteen (14) deep freezers, six (6) refrigerators, eight (6) flat screen televisions, four (4) water dispensers, sixteen (16) bags of rice, four (4) air conditions, a printer, chairs, and other items.”
Amiengheme said he had visited all the affected places with his team and promised to ensure that more looted items would be recovered.
He therefore urged members of the public to avail the police with useful information that could achieve this.
While commending sister agencies such as the army and the DSS for their collaborative efforts in restoring normalcy in Uyo, the CP also called on the perpetrators to desist from the dastardly act and toe the line of peace or face the full weight of the law.
