Police Assures of calm and security in Unyenghe

 

...uncovers dead bodies of marine hunters

... arrest killers 

Priscilla Akpanettot 

This is Utit Antai Village, a once peaceful and tranquil settlement in Unyenghe, Mbo Local Government Area.

The Village which has become a shadow of itself was forced into this level of abandonment by a notorious gang of criminals which terrorised the villagers, causing them to vacant their homeland for safety.

The height of the terror was the killing and burying of marine hunters from the Ministry of Internal Security and Inland Waterways who were returning from an operation.

Thanks to the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, the killers were arrested and the bodies, exhumed.

The suspects, Anthony Archibong 'M' 46 year-old, Emmanuel Emmanuel Otoyo 'M' 18 year-old, Daniel Edet Okon 'M' 26 year-old, Enietie Harry Tom 'M' 34 year-old and Joseph Okon 'M' 44 year-old were eventually 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 search for the corpses and found them after hours of frantic toil, with their heads dismembered.

A youth member who didn't want his name mentioned told this reporter that the gang had held the community in perpetual fear and terror in recent times, calling sea pirates and militants on them at intervals.

He explained that the crisis leading to the unfortunate end of the marine hunters emanated from the suspended village youth election on the order of the Local Government, when the criminals insisted on having one of their own on seat as President. 

They then took their frustration on members of the community, killing and maiming until the entire community fled for their lives.

"These men (the deceased) were just returning from their usual operation of manning the waterways when they fell into their hands", he lamented. 

While assuring the community of close surveillance of the area, the Command allayed fears of insecurity, saying that they would not relent until everyone involved in the crime is brought to book. 

The Command also encouraged the villagers to return to their homes, stay vigilant and report suspicious movements to the Police.