Aniefiok Christopher
A female Afang vegetable seller has been gruesomely murdered by unidentified persons (s) in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
One Unwana Okon, a female resident of Ndot Village, Oruk Anam Local Government Area fell prey to the unidentified individual (s) who invited her to Mbiakot Village under the pretext of purchasing Afang leaves ( African jointfir whose botanical name is Gnetum buchholzianum).
In a press statement signed by DSP Timfon John, Akwa Ibom Police Public Relations Officer on Sunday, 1 November, 2026, said the State Police Command has commenced an intensive investigation and launched a manhunt for the perpetrator(s) of the murder.
According to the statement, the incident was reported on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at about 1530 hours, by one Eno, who informed the Police that his sister, Unwana Okon, had received a telephone call from an unidentified individual inviting her to Mbiakot Village under the pretext of purchasing Afang leaves.
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‘‘The deceased proceeded to the said village following the invitation but was subsequently murdered by unknown assailant(s). Her mobile phone and an undisclosed sum of money were reportedly taken away by the perpetrator(s).
‘‘Upon receipt of the report, Police operatives commenced investigations, and necessary steps were initiated to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible,’’ the statement stated.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the unfortunate incident and directed that the case be transferred immediately from the Divisional Police Headquarters to the Command’s Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU) for a thorough, specialised and coordinated investigation, with a view to ensuring the swift identification, arrest and prosecution of all persons found culpable.
The Command strongly condemns this dastardly act and assures members of the public that every available operational and investigative resource will be deployed to ensure that the perpetrators do not escape justice.
The Police further urge members of the public, particularly residents of Oruk Anam and neighbouring communities, to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements, persons or information that could assist the ongoing investigation. Anyone with credible information is encouraged to contact the nearest Police station or the Command through its established communication channels.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reassures residents of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property and will not relent in its determination to rid the State of criminal elements.
