Development Communications Network (DevComs) has firmly dispelled rumours of a mob attack during a recent family planning outreach in Mbierebe Akpawat, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, describing the reports as inaccurate and misleading.
In a statement signed by Akin Jimoh of DevComs Network, the organization clarified that contrary to a report circulated earlier this week, no such violent incident took place during the community outreach, which was part of ongoing efforts to expand access to reproductive health services in the state.
“The report, which has since been retracted, does not reflect the reality of the outreach activity,” the statement read. “The June outreach was peaceful, productive, and well-received by the community. Women voluntarily accessed a range of family planning services, and many expressed gratitude for the initiative.”
Supporting the clarification, the Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Family Planning Coordinator, Mrs. Ime Ekere, confirmed that the outreach team worked in a safe and welcoming environment. “At no point was the safety of any volunteer or participant at risk,” she stated.
DevComs noted that while myths and misconceptions about family planning remain, they do not equate to community hostility or violence. In fact, data from states across Nigeria, including Akwa Ibom, indicate a growing demand for family planning services.
“This progress is the result of years of trust-building through strategic partnerships involving government agencies, community leaders, and health workers,” the organization emphasized. “Spreading false stories of violence only undermines this trust and could discourage women from accessing essential reproductive health services.”
DevComs reiterated that family planning is not about limiting freedoms or promoting immorality, but rather about empowering families to make informed decisions. These services, offered freely at local health centers, help couples to space childbirth and improve maternal and child health outcomes.
Looking ahead, DevComs and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting reproductive health through:
- Respect for community values while advancing public health;
- Culturally sensitive and factual education on family planning;
- Engagement with religious and traditional leaders to build trust; and
- Continued expansion of access to safe, voluntary, and free family planning services.
The organization also called on media practitioners and the public to verify information before sharing, urging everyone to support efforts that improve health and economic resilience in communities across Akwa Ibom and Nigeria at large.
