The recent surge in criminal activities linked to clashes between different brotherhoods in the town of Eket has prompted an immediate response from the police authorities. Indeed, the Police Public Relations Spokesperson (PPRP), ASP Timfon John, recently revealed that several suspects involved in these gang conflicts have been apprehended.
According to ASP Timfon John, the arrests followed complaints of inter-group clashes between rival gangs in Eket. The promptness of the law enforcement agencies in responding to these complaints was commended, with the State Commissioner of Police, CP Waheed Ayilara, issuing orders to arrest all individuals involved in these disputes.
An operation carried out on April 9 resulted in the arrest of the suspects, during which weapons and ammunition were recovered. Among the items seized were a pump-action shotgun, a short-range submachine gun and a homemade revolver pistol. In addition, the police seized 11 9mm caliber bullets and four cartridges of ammunition still ready for use.
During interrogation, the suspects confessed to belonging to the Black Ax Brotherhood, a group believed to be involved in the murder of 32-year-old Kufre Usoro. This confession reinforces the seriousness of the criminal activities perpetrated by these brotherhood members in the Eket region.
In another related case, another individual suspected of belonging to a brotherhood was arrested on April 25. He confessed to being the leader of a Black Ax Brotherhood group that has been terrorizing Eket, Etinan and Ekparakwa towns in the state.
This series of arrests and weapons seizures underlines the commitment of law enforcement to maintaining peace and security in the region. Efforts by the police to dismantle these criminal groups and put an end to inter-brotherhood clashes are essential to ensure the safety of the residents of Eket and its surrounding areas. Continued vigilance and community cooperation will be necessary to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure public peace.