LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Operators of Point Of Sales, popularly known as POS, shop owners, as well as residents along Ikot Ambang, Itak, Ikot Efun in Ibiono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have heaved a sigh of relief following the killing of one Wisdom Sunday Akpan, a notorious criminal and killer.
Until he was killed by Operatives of the Command’s Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) Team, Wisdom was known for killing his victims after dispossessing them of their cash and valuables in broad daylight.
According to Police statement, Wisdom who was the remnant of a dreaded armed robbery gang, led by the late Malachi Uwem Friday, had killed over 13 persons, including one Nsikan Vincent Udo of Ikot Inua village at Ikot Efun junction whom he killed and made away with his new Q-link motorcycle.
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His activities compelled many POS operators and supermarkets who were his targets to relocate for fear of not just being robbed but losing their lives, Daily Post reports.
An eyewitness to the killing of Wisdom said as usual he (Wisdom) came to a supermarket at the Ikot Ambang Junction to rob in the afternoon without knowing that about four operatives of the SWAT on mufti had positioned themselves at strategic places in the building.
The eyewitness, who identified himself as Ekemini, said as soon as Wisdom sensed danger that those men could be Policemen, he opened fire on them but the bullets were not penetrating.
“The boy, wisdom, drove his motorcycle to the supermarket to rob them without knowing that the Police were trailing him.
“When he noticed what was happening, he started shooting the Police officers and they were laughing at him. There was smoke everywhere and everybody ran away leaving him and those Police officers there to battle. It was like a movie.
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“It was as if he became tired because none of his bullets was entering the Police and he dropped his gun on the ground and wanted to run away, but one of the officers took his (Wisdom) gun from where he dropped it and shot him on the head; immediately, he fell down and one of his eyes came out.
“There was jubilation all over the place. We are really happy and we thank the Police for eliminating this terror. Even when the Police carried the corpse on a wagon to go to their headquarters, people were following the vehicle hailing them and praying that such a person would not return to this place because our people have suffered.”
Another victim, Jesse Johnson, in a post on her Facebook wall shortly after the news of Wisdom’s death, disclosed how she was robbed of her money, phone and eventually shot by him at Ikot Ambang Junction.
Jesse further disclosed that 16 pellets were extracted from her body, noting that she consistently receives shock at the slightest noise due to the incident.
“His reign, though momentary, was filled with terror, agony and pains; 8 July, a day I will never forget all my life.
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“I travelled to Uyo on Friday, 7 July and got home at exactly 10:10 pm. Saturday morning the following day at 8:15 am, I decided to go to the market, but made a stop over at the POS point to make withdrawal. Greeted the guy and brought out my ATM card to give him. Next thing I heard was run oooo.
“Before I could run, as everyone took to their heels, I heard gunshots and saw myself on the ground. The devilish animal called Wisdom had gunned me down and ran towards me. Long story short, with blood dripping from my back and arm, the race for a Police report and transit to Uniuyo Teaching Hospital.
“Here I am today after 16 pellets have been taken out and yet still left with others inside me. I get electric shocks intermittently. I get panic attacks at any loud sound or motorcycle sound. I have always been a survivor and I know I’ll survive this, the post read in part.
The Police Public relations Officer (PPRO) in the State, Odiko Macdon corroborated the lady’s testimony, noting that she survived by grace and a stroke of luck.
He promised that the command would continue to make the State safe.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olatoye Durosinmi has warned criminal elements to turn a new leaf or relocate from the State as he would continue to eliminate them and make the State safe for Akwa Ibom people.