The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has reported a grim discovery: the exhumation of bodies belonging to marine hunters affiliated with the Ministry of Internal Security and Inland Waterways. These individuals were kidnapped, brutally murdered, and buried by criminals in Unyenghe, a community within the Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The discovery has shocked the local community and raised concerns about safety and security in the region.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Akwa Ibom, ASP Timfon John, the bodies were uncovered during an operation on Thursday, August 29, 2024. The exhumation followed intelligence reports received on August 18, 2024, indicating that the marine hunters, who had been abducted, were buried in shallow graves in the area. Upon retrieving the corpses, it was found that the heads of the victims had been dismembered, adding a gruesome detail to the tragic event.
ASP Timfon John stated in a release on Friday that the suspected killers were apprehended following a coordinated intelligence operation by the police. The suspects were found to be in possession of 15 live cartridges, which were recovered during the arrest.
The PPRO also identified the suspects, providing a detailed list of those taken into custody. The individuals include: Anthony Archibong, a 46-year-old man; Emmanuel Otoyo, aged 18; Daniel Edet Okon, 26; Eniete Harry Tom, 34; Joseph Okon, 44; and the village head of Utit Antai, Chief Okon Asuquo Eteokpo, who is alleged to be an ally and spiritual fortifier of the criminal group. The inclusion of a local leader among the suspects has particularly shocked the community.
“The Command made the Exhumation on Thursday, August 29, 2024, following information it received on the 18th of August, 2024, that the Marine Hunters who were abducted and killed were buried in shallow graves within the community,” ASP Timfon John stated, highlighting the timely response of the police to the intelligence received. The operation to recover the bodies and apprehend the suspects involved coordination between various units of the police force, demonstrating the commitment of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command to maintaining law and order.
The discovery and subsequent arrests have sent shockwaves through the Mbo Local Government Area and the wider Akwa Ibom State and residents of Unyenghe and surrounding communities are now grappling with fear and uncertainty.
In the aftermath of the exhumation, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to ridding the state of crime and criminal elements. “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,” the PPRO emphasized.
The police command has also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest police station. This call for public cooperation is crucial, as community members are often the first to notice unusual activities or unfamiliar faces in their neighborhoods.
The case has also highlighted the importance of intelligence gathering and community policing in addressing security challenges in the region. The successful exhumation and arrests were made possible by timely intelligence and the willingness of community members to come forward with information.
As investigations continue, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command is determined to bring all those involved in this heinous crime to justice. The suspects currently in custody are expected to face trial, and the police have vowed to pursue all leads to uncover any additional accomplices or criminal networks operating in the area.
As the state continues to mourn the loss of the marine hunters, there is a renewed call for unity and collective action to ensure that such atrocities do not occur again.
