The Police in Akwa Ibom State have arrested six suspects over an alleged abduction and murder of marine hunters from the Ministry of Internal Security and Inland Waterways in the state.
Timfon John, the police spokesperson in the state, who stated this in a statement on Friday, said the police have exhumed the bodies of the two hunters from shallow graves in Unyenghe community, Mbo Local Government Area of the state.
Ms John identified the suspects as Anthony Archibong, 46, Emmanuel Otoyo, 18, Daniel Okon, 26, Eniete Tom, 34 and Joseph Okon, 44.
They were arrested along with Okon Eteokpo, the village head of Utit Antai in Mbo, whom the police described as an “ally and spiritual fortifier” to the suspects.
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Timfon said the bodies were exhumed on Thursday, August 29 following information that the hunters were k!lled and buried in shallow graves within the community.
“The command’s operatives upon getting the information embarked on a hot chase of the suspects and arrested the following suspects, Anthony Archibong ‘M’ 46yrs, Emmanuel Emmanuel Otoyo ‘M’ 18yrs, Daniel Edet Okon ‘M’ 26yrs, Eniete Harry Tom ‘M’ 34yrs, Joseph Okon ‘M’ 44yrs were arrested alongside the Village Head of Utit Antai, Chief Okon Asuquo Eteokpo, who is said to be their ally and spiritual fortifier; while a total of 15 live cartridges were recovered from them,” the statement read.
“Upon their arrest, a combined team of the (police) command launched a comprehensive search for the corpses and found them buried in shallow graves after hours of frantic toil, with their heads dismembered.
“The (police) command has again reassured members of the public of their intentional determination to rid the State of crime and criminal elements, appealing to members of the public to always report suspicious people and movements within their domain to the nearest Police Station,” Ms John, an assistant superintendent of police, said.