Following the infiltration of the #EndSARS protest by hoodlums, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command said it has arrested 10 persons on alleged looting and vandalisation of properties in Uyo, the state capital.
The hoodlums Thursday had ripped open the ATM in Access Bank, Aka Road and FCMB, Abak Road with intent of carting of money. Some had broken into LG Office, Ikot Ekpene Road; and Boutique, Ikot Ekpene Road, Uyo and carted goods worth millions of Naira.
At the same time, more torched and looted property in Anchor Insurance Company, Wellington Bassey Way End, Uyo; Access Bank, Aka Road; Akwa Ibom Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC), Udo Udoma Avenue; and All Progressives Congress Secretariat, Ikot Ekpene Road, Uyo, among others.
The state Commissioner of Police, Amiengheme Andrew said on Saturday in Uyo in a press release that its quick deployment of Anti-Riot policemen in collaboration with sister security agencies like the Army and DSS, as well as the efforts of the State Government has restored normalcy to the capital city.
Andrew mentioned that the Police have recovered stolen property worth millions of naira, including 14 Deep Freezers, 6 Refrigerators, 8 flat Screen Televisions, 4 water dispensers, 16 bags of rice, 4 Air conditions, one printer, chairs, and other items.
He noted that the Command will continue to ensure that all the looted items are recovered, and warned the perpetrators to desist or face the full wrath of the law.
The CP stated that the Command under his watch would not allow anyone to derail the peaceful nature of the State, and commended the people of Akwa Ibom for their peaceful disposition and continued partnership to the police.
“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 (AKBC), 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 damages done.
“I commend the State Government’s timely intervention through the imposition of curfew as I today went round to ensure strict compliance, and we will continue to do so.
“I am 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,” he stated.
