Police confirm three officers dead, four missing in Akwa Ibom during clash with gunmen

A Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Ben Ajide, and three police officers have been reportedly killed in Akwa Ibom during a clash between the police and gunmen suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The incident which occurred on Monday in Ikot Akpan community in Essien Udim local government of the state also left four policemen missing.

They were killed during a reprisal against the members of IPOB who are suspected to be responsible for series of coordinated attacks against police formations and the killing of police officers in the state.

A statement on Wednesday by the state command’s Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon, titled “unprovoked attacks on Security officer” said the commissioner of police, Andrew Amiengheme, is saddened by the unprovoked attacks and killing of police officers who are maintaining peace in the state.

The statement reads in part “In recent times, in Essien Udim LGA, security personnel, particularly, the Nigeria Police, Akwa Ibom Command have come under persistent, unprovoked attacks, leading to deaths and destruction of property, a trend which is totally absurd and unacceptable.

“Whereas the remote and immediate causes of these unprovoked attacks are unknown, a discreet investigation is on the way to unravel same and seek lasting solution.” (The Nation)