The Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have apprehended the village head of Utit Antai village in the Unyene community of the Mbo Local Government 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 while getting spiritual strength from the village head.

The state commissioner of police, Joseph Eribo, who briefed journalists in Uyo, on Monday while parading the suspects along with other criminals, said that suspects were arrested following intelligence that revealed that the marine hunters were killed and buried at a shadow grave in a forest between Efiat and Unyenge villages in Mbo LGA.

He said upon the arrest of the suspects, the operatives launched a comprehensive search for the corpses and found them buried in shallow graves with their heads dismembered.

?On Thursday, August 29, 2024, following information received on the 18th of August, 2024 that the Marine Hunters abducted and killed were buried in shallow graves within the community, the Command?s operatives, upon getting the information, embarked on a hot chase of a gang of sea pirates/kidnappers led by one Success (other names) unknown who usually terrorise Oron waterways and its environs.

?The intelligence gathered revealed that they were camping in a forest between Efiat and Unyenge villages in Mbo L.G.A. The Command operatives combed the areas and arrested the suspects,? Eribo said

He disclosed that about 15 live cartridges were recovered from the suspects, whom he listed to include one Jephter 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 include one Ukpono Etim Effiong, Samuel Young and Faith Richard for unlawful possession of firearm.

The CP said, ?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.

?Items recovered from his possession include; one locally made short gun with 19.87mm life ammunition and a four (4) 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 active stop and search along 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.

?Suspects confessed to the crime and mentioned other names. Efforts are ongoing to arrest others who are at large,? he added.

Eribo, who called on officers and men of the command to sustain the peace being enjoyed in the state, 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. (Courtesy, excluding headline, The PUNCH)

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