The Akwa Ibom State government said it has received threatening text messages from the Boko Haram terrorist group of plans to attack public places in the state.

The state commissioner for Information and Communications, Aniekan Umanah, said in a statement that the public places targeted include churches, markets and schools, among others.

Umanah advised members of the public to be vigilant, more security conscious and to promptly report suspicious movements to security personnel.

He assured residents of their safety, saying government had directed security agencies to step up surveillance to prevent likely attacks by terrorists.

Umanah urged the residents to go about their legitimate businesses as government was poised to sustain the peace being enjoyed in the state.

The state government, however, frowned at the re-emergence of activities of commercial motorcyclists in Uyo metropolis despite the existing ban on their operations.