By Thompson Yamput
The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, CP Baba Azare has warned against peddling of fake news particularly on security matters in the State.
Azare gave the warning during a high-level Stakeholders’ Security Meeting at the Command Headquarters, Uyo, to review the security situation in the state and strengthen collaborative efforts in maintaining peace and stability across all communities
A statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, on Monday, urged all communities in the state to endeavour to expose all criminal elements threatening the peace and security of the State.
The Commissioner reaffirmed that Akwa Ibom state remains peaceful and secure, under his watch more so that the command was working closely with sister security agencies continues to maintain robust patrols, effective surveillance, and intelligence-driven operations throughout the state.
“I’m very concern over the recent spread of fake news and unverified security alerts on social media, which have the potential to cause panic and undermine public confidence.
“Unfortunately such messages are false, misleading, and must be disregarded.
“I therefore urge the public to rely solely on verified information from credible security sources, ” he said.
According to him, there’s need for communities to take ownership of security by exposing criminal elements, including those involved in armed robbery, cultism, vandalism, drug peddling, and other unlawful activities.
He added, “No community can be truly safe if some residents shield or protect criminals.”
Azare, however, called on traditional and religious leaders, youth groups, market associations, and civil society organizations to continue working closely with the police and other agencies to sustain the peaceful environment the state enjoys.
In their separate responses, some critical stakeholders such as the CAN chairman Bishop Chris Nyong, traditional ruler Edidiem Sylvanus Okon, Chairman Centre for human right and accountability network (CHRAN) Otuekong Franklyn Isong and Chairman Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Sunny James, appreciated the CP and the Command as a whole for all their relentless efforts to ensuring peace and safety in Akwa Ibom State.
They also made key interventions, observations, and commitment aimed at strengthening security collaboration across the State.
The stakeholders unanimously pledged to strengthen collaboration with the Police Command, improve information sharing and support all initiatives aimed at sustaining peace and security in Akwa Ibom State.
The Command assures the public that it will continue to work tirelessly to protect lives and property and maintain law and order in every part of the state.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and to report suspicious persons or movements to the nearest Police Station or any other security agency. (ephemeralnews.com.ng)
