The Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have apprehended the village head of Utit Antai village within the Unyene group of the Mbo Native Authorities of the state, one Okon Asuquo Etteokpo, and 12 others for allegedly kidnapping and beheading three marine hunters.
It was gathered that the suspects who allegedly kidnapped their victims beheaded them and buried them in a shadow grave in a forest whereas getting non secular power from the village head.
The state commissioner of police, Joseph Eribo, who briefed journalists in Uyo, on Monday whereas parading the suspects together with different criminals, stated that suspects had been arrested following intelligence that exposed that the marine hunters had been killed and buried at a shadow grave in a forest between Efiat and Unyenge villages in Mbo LGA.
He stated upon the arrest of the suspects, the operatives launched a complete seek for the corpses and located them buried in shallow graves with their heads dismembered.
“On Thursday, August 29, 2024, following data acquired on the 18th of August, 2024 that the Marine Hunters kidnapped and killed had been buried in shallow graves inside the group, the Command’s operatives, upon getting the data, launched into a sizzling chase of a gang of sea pirates/kidnappers led by one Success (different names) unknown who often terrorise Oron waterways and its environs.
“The intelligence gathered revealed that they had been tenting in a forest between Efiat and Unyenge villages in Mbo L.G.A. The Command operatives combed the areas and arrested the suspects,” Eribo stated
He disclosed that about 15 stay cartridges had been recovered from the suspects, whom he listed to incorporate one Jephter Inwang, Clement Emmanuel, Promise Nkerobia, Anthony Atte, Nkereuwem Edet and Joseph Asuquo
Others embody Anietie Tom, Gad Inwang, Emmanuel Otoyo Emmanuel, Daniel Ekpo, Mary Edet Isong and Godswill Jackson, and the village head of Utit Antai village in Unyene group, Okon Asuquo Etteokpo, who is alleged to be their ally and non secular fortified.
Additionally paraded embody one Ukpono Etim Effiong, Samuel Younger and Religion Richard for illegal possession of firearm.
The CP stated, ” On 05/09/2024, one Abasiama James reported to the Command by means of a written petition. On the power of the report, Operatives of the Command swung into motion and arrested one Ukpono Etim Effiong and instantly a search was executed in his home and premises.
“Gadgets recovered from his possession embody; one domestically made brief gun with 19.87mm life ammunition and a 4 (4) gallon containing uncooked acid. The suspect will quickly be charged in court docket.
“Additionally on 19/08/2024 at about 12:30 pm, operatives of the Command throughout energetic cease and search alongside Ikot Obong highway by Mary Slessor in Ibiono Ibom L.G.A intercepted one Samuel Bassey Younger and Religion Richard Peter searched and recovered a Beretta pistol and a few wraps suspected to be Indian hemp.
“Suspects confessed to the crime and talked about different names. Efforts are ongoing to arrest others who’re at giant.”
Eribo, who known as on officers and males of the command to maintain the peace being loved within the state, added that the command wouldn’t hesitate to reward any excellent police officer or officers for doing a superb job whereas on the similar time punishing the erring ones.