Akwa Ibom Police Arrest 13 Over Beheading of Marine Hunters

Akwa Ibom Village Head, 12 Others Arrested for Gruesome Beheading of Three Marine Hunters.

In a shocking turn of events, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has apprehended the village head of Utit Antai village, Okon Asuquo Etteokpo, and 12 others for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping and beheading of three marine hunters. The victims, attached to the Ministry of International Security and Inland Waterways, were exhumed on August 29, 2024, from shallow graves in a forest between Efiat and Unyenge villages in Mbo Local Government Area.

The Arrest and Investigation

State Police Commissioner, CP Joseph Eribo, revealed that the suspects were arrested following intelligence reports that led operatives to the forest, where they found the beheaded bodies. The police recovered 15 live cartridges from the suspects, who include:

– Jephter Inwang
– Clement Emmanuel
– Promise Nkerobia
– Anthony Atte
– Nkereuwem Edet
– Joseph Asuquo
– Anietie Tom
– Gad Inwang
– Emmanuel Otoyo Emmanuel
– Daniel Ekpo
– Mary Edet Isong
– Godswill Jackson

The village head, Okon Asuquo Etteokpo, is alleged to be the group’s ally and spiritual fortifier.

 Call to Action

CP Eribo urged officers to maintain peace in the state and promised rewards for outstanding performance while punishing erring officers. This heinous crime has sent shockwaves through the community, and the police are working to ensure justice is served.

The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge.