Village Head, 12 Others Arrested For Beheading Hunters In Akwa Ibom

Uyo, Akwa Ibom State – The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested the village head of Utit Antai, Okon Asuquo Etteokpo, along with 12 other individuals, for their alleged involvement in the gruesome beheading of three marine hunters in Mbo Local Government Area.

The state Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, disclosed this during a press briefing in Uyo on Monday.

According to Eribo, the suspects allegedly kidnapped the hunters, beheaded them, and buried their bodies in shallow graves within a forest located between Efiat and Unyenge villages in Mbo.

The arrests were made following intelligence reports that led the police to the crime scene, where the mutilated remains of the victims were discovered.

The Commissioner also disclosed that the suspects reportedly drew spiritual strength from the village head, suggesting a ritualistic motive behind the brutal killings.

According to Eribo, “On Thursday, August 29, 2024, following information received on August 18, 2024, that the marine hunters abducted and killed were buried in shallow graves within the community, the command’s operatives embarked on a hot chase of a gang of sea pirates/kidnappers led by one Success (other names unknown) who usually terrorised Oron waterways and its environs.

The police stated that the intelligence gathered revealed that they were camping in a forest between Efiat and Unyenge villages in Mbo L.G.A.

Eribo added that the command operatives combed the areas and arrested the suspects.

He said that about 15 live cartridges were recovered from the suspects whom he listed as Jephtar Inwang, Clement Emmanuel, Promise Nkerobia, Anthony Atte, Nkereuwem Edet and Joseph Asuquo.

“Others include 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 community, Okon Asuquo Etteokpo, who is said to be their ally and spiritual fortified.

“Also paraded included Ukpono Etim Effiong, Samuel Young and Faith Richard for unlawful possession of firearms.

“On 05/09/2024, one Abasiama James reported to the command through a written petition. On the strength of the report, operatives of the command swung into action and arrested one Ukpono Etim Effiong and immediately a search was executed in his house and premises,” he said.

He said, “Items recovered from his possession included one locally made short gun with 19.87mm life ammunition and a four-gallon containing raw acid. The suspect will soon be charged in court.

“Also on 19/08/2024 at about 12:30 pm, operatives of the command during an active stop and search along the Ikot Obong Road by Mary Slessor in Ibiono Ibom L.G.A intercepted one Samuel Bassey Young and Faith Richard Peter, searched and recovered a Beretta pistol and some wraps suspected to be Indian hemp.

Eribo noted that the suspects confessed to the crime and mentioned other names. Efforts are ongoing to arrest others who are at large.

The police commissioner called on officers and men of the command to sustain the peace being enjoyed in the state and added that the command would not hesitate to reward any outstanding police officer or officers for doing a good job while at the same time punishing the erring ones.