The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has uncovered the remains of marine hunters from the Ministry of Internal Security and Inland Waterways, who were kidnapped, brutally murdered, and buried by notorious criminals in the Unyenghe area of Mbo Local Government.
According to The PUNCH, in a significant breakthrough, the command confirmed the arrest of those allegedly responsible for the heinous act.
Among those apprehended was the Village Head of Utit Antai, Chief Okon Asuquo Eteokpo, who is accused of providing spiritual protection to the suspects.
The police, in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, Timfon John, revealed that the bodies of the marine hunters were exhumed on Thursday after receiving credible information about their killing and clandestine burial in shallow graves.
The police stressed that the hunters were abducted, slain, and then buried within the community by the criminals.
The statement detailed the prompt response of the police following the tip-off, leading to the arrest of several suspects including Anthony Archibong, 46; Emmanuel Otoyo, 18; Daniel Edet Okon, 26; Eniete Harry Tom, 34; and Joseph Okon, 44, along with Chief Eteokpo. The police also recovered 15 live cartridges from the suspects.
The statement read, “The command’s operatives, upon getting the information, embarked on a hot chase of the suspects and arrested the following: Anthony Archibong, 46 years old; Emmanuel Otoyo, 18 years old; Daniel Edet Okon, 26 years old; Eniete Harry Tom, 34 years old; Joseph Okon, 44 years old. They 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.”
Reassuring the public, the police emphasized their unwavering commitment to eliminating crime and criminal elements within the state.
The command urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest police station.
