Ntiedo Effiong Usoro, Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, has faced public backlash after showcasing equipment he provided to a local security unit to tackle insecurity.
Usoro proudly shared photos on Facebook of the security personnel receiving the so-called “necessary equipment,” which included machetes, torchlights, raincoats, and rain boots. He wrote, “Yesterday, in my office, I provided the council local security unit with the necessary equipment to protect the council secretariat and other government facilities within its premises.”
The post quickly drew sharp criticism from Nigerians online. Many questioned the effectiveness of the gear, pointing out that machetes and rain boots are inadequate against heavily armed criminals. Others mocked the security setup, highlighting the age and vulnerability of some personnel in the photos.
The incident has reignited debates about local security preparedness and the urgent need for practical, well-equipped measures to protect communities in the face of rising criminal threats.
