Residents of the Mbiabet Ikpe community in Essien Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have killed a suspected armed robber who was on the state police command’s wanted list. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening at approximately 7:30 pm, following a confrontation between the suspect and local youths.
DSP Timfon John, the Public Relations Officer for the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, confirmed the details in a statement issued in Uyo on Thursday. According to the statement, the suspect, identified as Mkpowo, allegedly opened fire with a locally made pistol when the youths attempted to apprehend him. The enraged residents reportedly overpowered him, inflicting severe injuries to his head.
Despite being rushed to a hospital for medical attention, the suspect was confirmed dead. His remains have since been deposited in a morgue for preservation and further necessary procedures. During the recovery process, authorities seized a locally made pistol, one live cartridge, and one expended cartridge from the scene.
Preliminary information indicates that Mkpowo was a known criminal element whose activities and hideout had been under sustained security surveillance by the police command. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in the region regarding the apprehension of wanted individuals.
The statement said the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, while commending residents for their support in providing credible intelligence, warned against violent confrontations with suspects especially where firearms are involved, stressing that suspected offenders should be apprehended, where safely possible, and promptly handed over to the Police for lawful investigation and prosecution.
The police commissioner’s warning underscores the official stance on community policing, emphasizing the importance of lawful procedures over extrajudicial actions. While residents are encouraged to provide intelligence, the command reiterated that the safe apprehension and handover of suspects to the police is the preferred method for handling such security matters.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
