Police authorities in Akwa Ibom State have reportedly arrested one Akaninyene Udo, a social media activist over allegations of raising false security alarms that caused panic among residents.

It was gathered that the suspect was taken into custody after allegedly posting misleading updates online suggesting an imminent security threat in parts of the state.

The posts were said to have triggered unnecessary tension and prompted emergency responses from security operatives.

The Akwa Ibom Police spokesperson, while confirming the arrest, said the action was necessary to prevent further spread of misinformation.

A statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, in Uyo on Monday said the suspect, a resident of Akpautong, Esit Eket Local Government Area, who operates on social media account under the name “AK Philo,” was apprehended following investigations into a viral social media post in which he circulated a threat

“The individual was arrested for circulating false information capable of breaching public peace and causing panic among residents,” the police said.

The police added that investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the activist’s actions and whether other individuals were involved in spreading the posts.

Residents have been urged to verify information from official sources before sharing on social media, as authorities warned that anyone found guilty of spreading false security alerts would be prosecuted.

Suspected herdsmen ambushed and killed a health officer identified as Ojoma Emie in Ikobi, Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, on Monday morning.

DAILY POST gathered that Emie, a father of three who resided in Oloke, Ikobi, was returning from Ugbokpo town, where he had gone to purchase medicine, when the attackers allegedly ambushed him at Ugbobi Junction, a notorious spot along the Ikobi-Olegogba axis of the Ikobi-Ugbokpo road where residents say armed herders frequently lay ambush for travellers.

Sources said the assailants macheted him to death, severed his head and fled with it, leaving his headless body in a pool of blood.

The corpse was later discovered by residents of the community.

Confirming the incident, the Vice President of the Ikobi Progressive Forum, Dr. Edoh Ofugocho, told DAILY POST that residents became alarmed after hearing multiple gunshots from the area.

“Our people heard gunshots about 10 to 15 times. People immediately became apprehensive because they knew he was on his way to Ugbokpo to buy medicine. Later, it was discovered that he had been attacked and killed at Ugbobi Junction,” Ofugocho said.

He added that Emie was a health worker in the community and was married with children before his tragic death.

Ofugocho lamented that Ikobi had been subjected to repeated attacks by suspected herdsmen, alleging that little or no effort had been made by the relevant authorities to adequately protect residents.

He lamented, “We are deeply worried that this particular route has become a recurring ambush point for suspected herdsmen. Our people can no longer travel freely on roads within their own communities.

“The manner in which he was killed is heartbreaking. After taking his life, the attackers severed his head and fled with it. This level of brutality is difficult to comprehend.

“This is not the first time our people have come under attack. We have continued to cry out for improved security, but the attacks persist. Residents now live in constant fear.”

He disclosed that the deceased had since been buried and called for urgent security measures to end the persistent killings in the area.

“We call on security agencies and the government to take urgent steps to secure our communities and bring those responsible for this heinous act to justice,” Edo added.

The Kano State Police Command has arrested no fewer than 345 suspects in a major crackdown on crime across the state.
This was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa.

According to the statement, the operation follows a three-day operation carried out across all 44 Local Government Areas of the state.

“The operation, which took place from Friday, June 5 to Sunday, June 7, targeted identified black spots, criminal hideouts, and drug distribution centres,” the statement said.

According to the statement, the suspects include thugs, drug peddlers, and individuals found in possession of offensive weapons.

The statement added that they are currently under investigation and will be prosecuted where necessary.

He also revealed that the police recovered 270 dangerous weapons, including knives, cutlasses, and clubs, as well as a large quantity of suspected illicit drugs such as cannabis, Exol tablets, and a locally known substance called “Suck and Die.”

“These recoveries have significantly reduced the ability of criminal elements to harm innocent citizens and disturb public peace,” he said.

“As I stated on assumption of duty, no form of criminality will be tolerated in Kano State. We will continue to deal decisively with thuggery, drug trafficking, and violent crimes,” Bakori stated.

The statement further added that available data and feedback from residents show that crime is gradually reducing in many parts of the state due to sustained police efforts and improved community cooperation.