A’Ibom Police exhume bodies of murdered marine hunters, arrest suspects

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has successfully exhumed the bodies of marine hunters who were kidnapped, murdered, and buried by a group of notorious criminals in Unyenghe, Mbo Local Government Area.

According to a statement released by the police spokesperson, Timfon John, the hunters were abducted, killed, and buried in shallow graves within the community.

The bodies were discovered following a tip-off and a subsequent search operation.

The police have arrested several suspects, including the village head of Utit Antai, Chief Okon Asuquo Eteokpo, who was allegedly involved in fortifying the perpetrators.

A total of 15 live cartridges were also recovered during the operation.

The command has reiterated its commitment to combating crime in the state and urged members of the public to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

The statement read, “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.

“Upon their arrest, a combined team of the 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 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.”