Police Arrest 4 Over Vandalism at Seplat Facility in Akwa Ibom
The police in Akwa Ibom State have arrested four suspects over alleged vandalism of a facility belonging to Seplat Energy in Mkpanak Village, Ibeno Local Government Area of the state. It was gathered that the group forcefully pulled down the Seplat signpost and attempted to gain access to the facility, while also resisting arrest and […]
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The police in Akwa Ibom State have arrested four suspects over alleged vandalism of a facility belonging to Seplat Energy in Mkpanak Village, Ibeno Local Government Area of the state.
It was gathered that the group forcefully pulled down the Seplat signpost and attempted to gain access to the facility, while also resisting arrest and obstructing police operations.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Mohammed Azare, said the arrested suspects are all from Mkpanak Village.
He added that police operatives are on the trail of the alleged ringleader and other fleeing members of the group.
“On 11th March, 2026 at about 1200 hours, the police received a distress call from the Security Control Room of Seplat Energy Company reporting that a group of youths allegedly led by their leader, one James Eshiet, had vandalised and maliciously damaged the company’s signpost and were attempting to forcefully gain access into the facility with the intention of destroying other critical installations,” he said.
He said police operatives were immediately mobilised to the scene on his directive.
“Upon arrival, the operatives discovered that the company’s signpost had already been forcefully pulled down and destroyed. The hoodlums, numbering about 25, violently resisted arrest and attempted to obstruct police operations,” the commissioner said.
Azare condemned the vandalism and intimidation directed at corporate facilities operating in the state, stressing that no individual or group has the right to resort to violence or destruction of property.
He advised youth groups and members of the public to channel grievances through lawful means rather than taking the law into their hands.
He also warned that anyone found engaging in vandalism, violence or sabotage would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.