A disturbing video showing policemen, suspected to be from the Itam Police Division in Akwa Ibom State, assaulting a pregnant woman has sparked widespread outrage.
The incident, reportedly linked to the recent enforcement of third-vehicle insurance policies, has drawn sharp criticism from the public.
The viral footage, shared on Facebook by a user identified as Mayor Sylvester, captured the moment officers manhandled the pregnant woman, dragging her forcefully until she collapsed to the ground.
Condemning the act, Sylvester wrote:
“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 rough-handled. I just hope her baby is still alive.”
He further questioned the forceful approach taken by the police, suggesting that insurance representatives should be stationed at checkpoints to assist motorists with renewals rather than resorting to forceful measures.
“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 checkpoint? That way, motorists can renew their insurance on the spot instead of being harassed and dragged to the station,” he added.
The video has triggered outrage among Nigerians, with many condemning the excessive use of force by Nigerian law enforcement officers.
Watch the video below …
A pregnant woman brùtålized yesterday by a Nigerian police officer around Uyo Itam, Akwa state😢🤦 pic.twitter.com/8Mlkhn4BBt
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) February 8, 2025