The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has come forward to clarify that a trending viral video, which shows police personnel allegedly assaulting a pregnant woman, is unrelated to its enforcement of the Third Party Vehicle Insurance policy. The video, which has sparked widespread outrage on social media, had been circulating with claims that it was evidence of abusive practices during the vehicle insurance drive.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Tifon John told journalists that the footage is an old clip from a past incident and bears no connection to the current enforcement operations. “That video is an old clip from a past incident. It has nothing to do with Vehicle Insurance enforcement. Those sharing it are just being mischievous,” John stated.
John further added that the command possesses another video that has not been released to the public. “There is something the woman did. I can tell you the husband came to apologize, and we have the videos and evidence,” he disclosed, implying that the incident had been resolved internally following proper investigation.
This clarification follows growing public concern over the treatment of citizens by law enforcement agencies amid heightened enforcement activities.
While this Viral Video has fueled online debates and criticisms, police officials insist that it is not reflective of current practices.
Shared on his page, the Facebook user, identifies as Mayor Sylvester, said the police dragged the alleged vehicle insurance defaulter who happens to be a pregnant woman, until she collapsed on the ground.
“This is what the Itam Police Station in Akwa Ibom State has turned the Third Party Insurance thing into.They are now acting like animals. These are the kind of irresponsible characters recruited into the force. Imagine how a pregnant woman is being roughhandled. I just hope her baby is still alive. If the police want to enforce and ensure every vehicle has third party insurance, why not get the insurance company’s representative to be assigned to every police checkpoints? So at the time you discover that the insurance of a car has expired, you easily direct the fellow to meet the broker right where you are and renew the insurance and if that is not possible, you take the car to the station,” Sylvester bemoaned.
Commissioner of Police Bala Mohammed Azare, head of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, is reportedly leading a proactive campaign to sensitize both the public and police personnel. According the to PPRO, CP Azare has conducted extensive stakeholder engagements, public consultations, and enlightenment campaigns aimed at preventing any infractions or abuse of power during the enforcement of the vehicle insurance policy.
In a broader context, the incident underscores the challenges Nigerian security agencies face in balancing strict enforcement of policies with a commitment to human rights. Security experts note that similar viral videos in the past have sometimes obscured underlying issues or been misinterpreted to serve various political or social agendas.
As the controversy continues to circulate on social media, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains firm in its position that the incident captured in the video is outdated and has been conclusively investigated. The command’s efforts to bolster community trust through transparent communication and regular public engagement are ongoing, with CP Azare emphasizing that safeguarding lives and property remains the agency’s top priority.
Residents and stakeholders are urged to refer to official police communications for accurate information and to use the dedicated public feedback channels to report any genuine grievances during enforcement operations.
Read also: https://symfoninews.com/police-to-begin-3rd-party-insurance-enforcement-feb-1-i-g/
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