The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has reacted to a viral message circulating on social media alleging that a man armed with a machete has been attacking and robbing residents around Osongama Estate and Four Lanes area of Uyo, the state capital.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, 8th October, 2026, the Command said it has taken note of the disturbing information being shared online, where it was claimed that an unidentified man has been terrorizing residents with a machete and dispossessing them of their valuables.
The statement which was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, LLB, Anipr, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Police Command, urged anyone who has fallen victim to such attacks to come forward and make a formal report.
According to the PPRO, the police cannot act on mere social media rumours without formal complaints from victims, and it has therefore become necessary to call on those who may have been attacked or robbed to visit the nearest police station and lodge an official report.
DSP Timfon John explained that victims are expected to provide relevant and detailed information that will help the police in their investigation, including the date, time and exact location where the alleged attack took place.
She added that victims should also provide a clear description of the suspect, the items that were allegedly taken from them during the attack, and any available evidence such as pictures, videos or eyewitness accounts that could assist the investigation.
The police spokesperson emphasized that such formal reports will greatly assist the police in investigating the allegations, establishing the true facts of the matter, and identifying and tracing the suspect for possible arrest and prosecution.
She further stated that the Command is not taking the social media allegation lightly, and that operatives have been put on alert to monitor the situation, but that concrete information from victims will make the job easier and faster.
The Command also called on members of the public who may have credible information that could assist the investigation to come forward and share such information with the police, assuring that all information provided will be treated with utmost confidentiality.
According to the police, residents who have seen anything suspicious or who have information about the alleged machete-wielding man should not hesitate to contact the nearest police station or reach out to the Command’s emergency lines.
Meanwhile, the police have advised residents of Osongama, Four Lanes and other parts of Uyo to remain calm and not panic over the viral message, while assuring that the police are on top of the situation and will ensure safety of lives and property.
The Command specifically warned residents to avoid confronting anyone suspected of carrying a weapon or dangerous object, noting that such confrontation could be risky and may endanger their lives, and that the best approach is to promptly report to the police.
DSP John reiterated that residents should immediately report any suspicious movements or activities in their neighbourhood to the police for quick intervention, rather than taking laws into their own hands or engaging suspected criminals.
She also used the opportunity to caution members of the public against circulating unverified information on social media capable of causing unnecessary fear, panic and anxiety among residents of the state.
The PPRO noted that while social media is a useful tool for information sharing, spreading unconfirmed reports about security threats can create tension and make people live in fear, which is not helpful to the society and could distract security agencies.
She explained that the police in Akwa Ibom State remain committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to respond swiftly to all reports of criminal activities, but that such reports must be credible and properly documented.
The Commissioner of Police, according to the statement, has directed Divisional Police Officers in Uyo and its environs to intensify patrols and surveillance, especially in the affected areas mentioned in the viral message, to reassure residents and prevent any breakdown of law and order.
The Command further assured that it will keep the public informed of developments on the matter as soon as investigations progress and facts are established, urging everyone to cooperate with security agencies.
It would be recalled that in the past few days, a message had gone viral on various WhatsApp groups and Facebook pages alleging that a man armed with a machete was attacking residents around Osongama and Four Lanes at night and robbing them of phones and other valuables.
The police, however, maintained that no formal complaint has been received in any police station in Uyo regarding the alleged attacks, hence the need for victims to come forward to enable the Command take appropriate action and bring perpetrators to book
