Akwa Ibom Police Detain Inspector Over Shooting of Seven-Year-Old Boy in Uyo
Reported By Facthabournews
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has detained an Inspector, identified as Monday Okonta, and commenced an investigation following an incident in which a seven-year-old boy sustained a gunshot injury during a stop-and-search operation in Uyo, the state capital.
The incident occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026, along Abak Road, Uyo, when personnel of the Police Quick Response Squad (QRS) reportedly stopped a vehicle carrying members of a family.
According to the police, a smoke pistol was allegedly discharged by one of the officers during the encounter, resulting in an injury to the child’s left hand. The boy was reportedly inside the vehicle with members of his family when the incident occurred.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, immediately ordered a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The officer allegedly involved, Inspector Monday Okonta, was identified, disarmed and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Uyo pending the outcome of the investigation.
The police command said Commissioner Azare also visited the injured child at the hospital, where he met with the family, assessed the boy’s condition and assured them that the circumstances surrounding the incident would be fully investigated.
The command said the child is currently stable and responding to treatment.
The incident has raised concerns about the conduct of stop-and-search operations and the need for police personnel to exercise maximum caution when handling firearms, particularly in situations involving members of the public.
Commissioner Azare reportedly stressed that police officers must carry out their lawful duties with professionalism, restraint and respect for the rights and safety of citizens.
He also stated that the command would not shield any officer found culpable of misconduct, recklessness or abuse of authority. According to the police, appropriate disciplinary and legal measures would be taken if the investigation establishes wrongdoing.
The Commissioner appealed to the affected family and members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed. He assured them that the process would be transparent, professional and fair to all parties.
The command also urged residents to continue cooperating with officers conducting lawful stop-and-search operations and checkpoints, while assuring citizens that genuine complaints against police personnel would receive appropriate attention.
The incident has again highlighted the importance of accountability and professionalism in policing, especially during routine security operations. While stop-and-search activities are part of police efforts to prevent crime and maintain public safety, the command’s response indicates that officers are expected to carry out such duties without compromising the safety and rights of civilians.
As the investigation continues, the police have not announced a final finding on how the firearm was discharged or whether the officer will face criminal or disciplinary charges. Any such action will depend on the outcome of the investigation.
The case is therefore still under investigation, and the officer should not be presumed guilty of any offence until the relevant authorities establish the facts and reach a formal conclusion.
For the family of the injured child, the immediate priority remains the boy’s recovery, while the police investigation is expected to determine exactly what happened during the checkpoint encounter and whether established police procedures were followed.
