July 07, (THEWILL) – The report making the rounds on some National Dailies and social media (not THEWILL), pointing to the fact that gunmen invaded a coroners’ lodge in Uyo, Akwa Ibom and had some female occupants raped, among other damages, has been vehemently debunked.
In the said story, it was alleged that gunmen attacked, raped, robbed and dispossessed Corps members of their valuables at Udo Ekong Ekwere Street, off Information Drive, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where they reside.
Putting the unfortunate incident in its proper perspective, the State Coordinator, NYSC, Akwa Ibom State, Mrs Chinyere Ekwe, in company of the State Police Commissioner, Mr Olatoye Durosinmi, on Thursday, visited the lodge, for an on the spot assessment.
During the visit, while it was confirmed that 21 Corps members occupied the said property. The interaction with the Corps members revealed that there was an attack on them by gunmen at about 1am on Thursday morning.
It was also gathered that the invaders took their valuables including phones, Laptops and some cash in the process, but no bodily harm was meted on them, and NO CORPS MEMBER WAS RAPED.
According to Mrs Ekwe, while the actions and intentions of those criminal elements remained totally condemnable, we passionately appeal to the social media and online news operators, to exercise restraint and not trivialise such unfortunate incident as the consequences on the psychology of parents and guardians of Corps members in the state would be dangerously affected.
Speaking during the visit, the State Commissioner of Police, Durosinmi, has assured the Corps members and members of the public that an investigation on the matter has commenced, even as culprits will soon be apprehended.
The Commissioner said he has equally detailed surveillance around the area with a promise to extend same to other Corps lodges.
The Coordinator, however, reaffirmed the fact that there was no incident of rape during the operation by the hoodlums and urged Corps members in the State to go about their lawful duties and make use of the security phone lines already provided, while in distress situations.
