Police arrest suspected gunman after alleged palace attack

Authorities in Akwa Ibom State have apprehended a 42-year-old man suspected of threatening a traditional ruler with a firearm in Essien Udim Local Government Area.

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a 42-year-old male from the same community, had stormed his palace armed with a locally made pistol and threatened to shoot him.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reported that the suspect, identified as Bassey Udo Idiong, was arrested on Wednesday following a distress call. The call indicated that Idiong had entered the monarch's palace armed with a locally made pistol and issued threats to shoot the ruler.

Police operatives were swiftly deployed to the scene. According to a statement from the police spokesperson, Timfon John, the suspect was disarmed without incident and taken into custody, with the pistol recovered as evidence. The police intervention is credited with preventing a potential "tragic loss of life."

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Acting swiftly on the intelligence, operatives of the Command mobilised to the scene. The suspect was professionally disarmed without incident and taken into custody, while the locally made pistol was recovered as an exhibit.

An investigation is currently ongoing. Detectives are working to establish the motive behind the alleged threat, identify any potential accomplices, and trace the origin of the recovered firearm. The suspect will remain in custody and face charges upon the conclusion of the investigation. This arrest occurs amidst broader police efforts to combat violent crime and illegal firearms in the region.

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a tragic loss of life.