Hoodlums have burnt a Police Inspector alive inside his house in Ikot Afanga community in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State on Monday.
It was gathered that the hoodlums stormed the compound of the police officer simply identified as Aniekan about 2:30 am, cordoned off the house, and set it on fire while he was fast asleep.
A resident of the area, who spoke on the ground of anonymity, told Vanguard that the killing might be connected with the victims’ role as a prosecutor in the detention and conviction of criminals.
Another resident said the residents woke up in the morning to see the remains of the Inspector buried in the rubble of his former house completely reduced to ruins as the hoodlums set his house on fire.
Confirming the incident to Vanguard, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Odiko MacDon, said the command has launched an investigation into the sad incident.
He said: “We are aware of the incident. It is quite unfortunate. We are yet to establish the remote and immediate cause of the attacks, but we will be able to establish that when investigations are concluded.
“The Commissioner of Police, Andrew Amiengheme, is deeply saddened and has consoled the bereaved family.
“He has ordered mass police operations in the area. It is ongoing now and hopefully, the culprits will be apprehended and I can assure you that justice will prevail at the end.”
Naija News understands that this is the third time hoodlums are attacking police officers and stations in the local government area.
It would be recalled that on February 22, 2021, hoodlums attacked the police checkpoint at Ikpe Annang Junction, manned by operatives of the Quick Response Squad, QRS, and burned a Police Inspector alive inside a police van while others escaped.