Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested the village head of Utit Antai village, Okon Asuquo Etteokpo, and 12 others in connection with the kidnapping and brutal beheading of three marine hunters.
The horrific incident took place in Unyene community, Mbo Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects allegedly kidnapped the marine hunters, beheaded them, and buried their bodies in shallow graves within a forest, with Etteokpo accused of providing spiritual fortification for the criminal gang.
Addressing journalists in Uyo on Monday, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, said the arrests were made following intelligence reports that led to the discovery of the victims’ bodies in a shallow grave between Efiat and Unyenge villages.
“On Thursday, August 29, 2024, following information received on August 18, 2024, that the marine hunters were abducted and killed, our operatives launched an investigation and combed the forest between Efiat and Unyenge villages, where the suspects were camping. Upon a thorough search, the operatives found the dismembered bodies of the victims buried in shallow graves,” Eribo explained.
He disclosed that 15 live cartridges were recovered from the suspects, who were identified as Jephter Inwang, Clement Emmanuel, Promise Nkerobia, Anthony Atte, Nkereuwem Edet, Joseph Asuquo, Anietie Tom, Gad Inwang, Emmanuel Otoyo Emmanuel, Daniel Ekpo, Mary Edet Isong, and Godswill Jackson.
The village head, Okon Asuquo Etteokpo, was also arrested for his alleged involvement in the ritualistic fortification of the gang.
In addition to the arrests related to the marine hunters’ murder, Eribo revealed that several other suspects were apprehended for various crimes.
Among them were Ukpono Etim Effiong, who was arrested for unlawful possession of a locally made shotgun and 19.87mm live ammunition. A container of raw acid was also found in his possession, and he is set to be charged in court soon.
“On 19/08/2024, during a routine stop-and-search operation along Ikot Obong road, two suspects, Samuel Bassey Young and Faith Richard Peter, were arrested after a Beretta pistol and several wraps of Indian hemp were found in their possession. They have confessed to their crimes and named accomplices, who are currently being pursued by the police,” Eribo added.
The commissioner commended the officers for their efforts in maintaining peace in the state and assured that the command would continue to reward diligent officers while punishing those who fail in their duties.
He also called on the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the police as part of ongoing efforts to curb crime in the state.
