Uyo — The helpless position of the police in the face of escalating crimes in Akwa Ibom State became glaring with the recent snatching of a bullion van in Uyo.

Information has it that the bullion van had gone to a branch of a commercial bank along Ikot Ekpene Road in Uyo to pick money meant for inter-bank transfer, when robbers attacked it and its escort along Ikot Ebido Street axis of the state capital.

Eyewitnesses informed our correspondent that police details and escorts of the bullion van "all ran away, leaving the robbers to have a field day, breaking open the van, and making away with the money inside."

As at the time of going to press, the police had not come up with information as to the amount of money lost in the incident, though the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Gabriel Ngban, said the police were working round the clock to the bring the culprits to book.

An eyewitness said when the robbers opened fire in the crowded area which is usually very busy at that time of the day, civilians and even the police scampered to safety.

The spate of violent crimes in Uyo is growing on a daily basis despite efforts by the police and other security agencies in the state to contain it.

In the last six weeks, according to a source, no fewer than 18 kidnappings and assassinations have occurred in the state capital alone.

State Commissioner of Police, Walter Rugbere, assured members of the public that the police are evolving strategies to tackle the growing challenge of crime, which he said hinders the development of the state.