The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has assured residents that it is fully prepared to handle any potential unrest that could arise from the planned protest scheduled for October 1. The command’s spokesperson, Timfon John, stated this in Uyo on Sunday while speaking with PUNCH about security measures being taken in response to the anticipated protest.

John noted that the Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, has already deployed officers to key locations across the state to ensure the protest does not escalate into chaos. She stressed that while the police would not prevent peaceful demonstrations, they would act swiftly to stop any attempt by hoodlums to hijack the protest and cause violence.

“The Commissioner of Police has made the necessary deployments, and we are battle-ready to ensure peace is maintained in Akwa Ibom. Residents should go about their normal duties without fear of molestation as adequate security is in place to protect them,” John said.

The October 1 protest, tagged #FearlessOctober1, is being organized as a continuation of the #EndBadGovernance protests that took place earlier in August. Despite the planned demonstrations, police authorities insist that they will not allow the state’s peace to be disrupted.

The command has advised citizens to remain calm and assured that law enforcement is committed to maintaining order throughout the protest period.