UYO – Two middle-aged women escaped death by the whiskers on Tuesday after they were rescued by police operatives from an angry mob that allegedly attempted to lynch them along Ring Road 3 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, which confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Uyo by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, condemned the act as “barbaric,” describing it as a savage display of criminality, lawlessness and a direct attack on human dignity and the rule of law.
The victims, whose identities were not disclosed, were reportedly stripped naked and brutally assaulted by the mob over allegations that security authorities said were yet to be verified.
According to the statement, the incident occurred at about 9:45 and a.m. on Tuesday when the Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, witnessed the horrifying scene while on his way to work.
The Commissioner was said to have immediately alerted the police after noticing that one of the women had already sustained severe injuries and was bleeding profusely.
“Upon receipt of the distress call, operatives of the Command swiftly mobilized to the scene, dispersed the violent crowd, rescued the victims from imminent danger, and rushed them to a medical facility where they are currently receiving treatment and responding positively to medical care,” the statement said.
Police disclosed that one suspect, identified as Emediong Robert, 22, from Ikot Ekwere in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, was arrested at the scene for allegedly inciting the mob and calling for the execution of the women during the attack.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, ordered a full-scale investigation and manhunt for all individuals linked to the attempted mob killing.
The Command vowed that every perpetrator, sponsor and accomplice connected with the attack would be identified, arrested and prosecuted.
“The Command will not allow Akwa Ibom State to be turned into a jungle where criminal mobs brutalize citizens at will under any guise,” the statement warned.
Police further cautioned residents against jungle justice, public assault, torture and other forms of extrajudicial violence, stressing that anyone found engaging in such acts would face the full weight of the law.
“No allegation against any individual justifies public humiliation, torture, assault or attempted murder. Every suspect remains innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction,” the Command added.
The Police also commended the swift intervention and sense of civic responsibility displayed by the Health Commissioner, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, whose action was credited with saving the women from certain death.
Residents were urged to report suspected criminal activities to security agencies rather than resort to mob action or self-help.
