Police clarify reports of officers' deaths in accident

The police in Akwa Ibom State have stated that no police officers died in a car accident at a checkpoint in Ibesikpo-Asutan Local Government Area.

The police confirmed that no officer was killed or hurt in the crash, which took place on Wednesday at Ikot Obio Odongo along the Aka-Nung Udoe Road.

Timfon John, the police spokesperson in the state, shared this information in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday.

This clarification came after a video circulated on social media claiming that police officers had died in the accident.

In the video, a woman is heard saying, "Everywhere the police are mounting roadblocks," while another person adds, "Roadblocks using tyres had been banned."

The video displayed a silver car with heavy damage to its front, with bystanders gathered around the area near Nung Udoe Roundabout.

A Facebook user, Etido Precious, commented, "Happening now in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, Nung Udoe to be precise, police officers nearly lost their lives." She also mentioned that the driver involved was a lawyer and questioned the use of roadblocks.

Police explanation of the accident

According to Ms John, a stop-and-search operation was ongoing at the checkpoint around 1:40 p.m. when a minibus, driven by a man named Anietie, was stopped.

The police explained that the minibus was not moving when a Lexus car, which was reportedly speeding from behind, collided with it.

The statement said, "The command categorically states that the claim is false. No police officer lost his or her life, and no police personnel were injured in the incident."

Both vehicles were taken to a police station for investigation and documentation, as stated by the police command.

The police urged residents to ignore the claims of deaths and to avoid spreading unverified information that could cause panic.