ESSIEN UDIM :A notorious armed robbery suspect has died following a confrontation with some youths of Mbiabet Ikpe Community in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.
The suspect , simply identified as Mkpowo, met his end during the ensuing encounter ,where he had resisted the youths attempt to accost him and would fired at them with a locally made pistol .
Despite the suspect’s resistance, the youths were able to overpower him, during which he sustained injuries to his head.
He was subsequently rushed to a hospital for medical attention, where he was confirmed dead.
His remains have since been deposited in a morgue for preservation and further necessary procedures.
The Police Public Relations Officer DSP Timfon John in a statement, confirmed that the incident occurred on Wednesday, this week, and the Police have recovered locally made pistol, one live cartridge and one expended cartridge from the suspect, alleged to be a gang leader who terrorised residents of the area.
“Preliminary information identifies him as one of the criminal elements on the Police Command’s wanted list, whose criminal activities and hideout had been under sustained security surveillance,” the statement added.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Azare, while commending residents for their willingness to support security efforts and provide credible information to the Police however, cautioned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands or engaging suspected criminals in violent confrontations, particularly where firearms are involved.
He emphasised that suspected offenders should be apprehended, where safely possible, and promptly handed over to the Police for lawful investigation and prosecution.
He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and criminal activities to the nearest Police station or through established security channels.
It would be recalled that the Police Command had recently intensified operations against the criminal gang, leading to the invasion and destruction of its identified hideout, where four firearms were recovered.
The latest development underscores the Command’s sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks, recover illegal firearms and restore lasting peace and security to affected communities.