Police deny report of officers’ deaths in checkpoint crash

The police in Akwa Ibom State have denied reports that police officers were killed in a car accident at a checkpoint in Ibesikpo-Asutan Local Government Area.

The police said no police officer was killed or injured in the incident, which occurred on Wednesday, at Ikot Obio Odongo along the Aka-Nung Udoe Road.

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

The clarification followed the circulation of a video on social media claiming that police officers had lost their lives in the crash.

In the video, a woman can be heard saying, “Everywhere the police are mounting roadblocks,” while another person said, “Roadblocks using tyres had been banned.”

The video showed a silver-coloured vehicle with severe damage to its bonnet, with passers-by gathered around the scene near Nung Udoe Roundabout.

“Happening now in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, Nung Udoe to be precise, police officers nearly lost their lives,” a Facebook user, Etido Precious, wrote on the social media site.

She added that the driver involved was a lawyer, while questioning the use of roadblocks.

Police account of crash

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

The police said the minibus was stationary when a Lexus car, allegedly travelling at speed from behind, crashed into it.

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“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,” the statement said.

Both vehicles were subsequently taken to a police station for investigation and documentation, according to the command.

The police urged residents to disregard the claim of deaths and avoid circulating unverified information capable of causing panic.