Akwa Ibom Police Crackdown On Sea Pirates, Unearth Dismembered Corpses In Gruesome Discovery

Uyo, Akwa Ibom State – The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has unearthed a heinous crime involving the brutal murder of marine hunters by a notorious gang of sea pirates operating in the Oron waterways.

During a police raid on the pirates’ hideout, the bodies of the victims were discovered dismembered and buried in shallow graves.

CP Joseph O. Eribo, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, described the harrowing discovery to reporters on Monday.

“On Thursday, August 29th, 2024, following information received on August 18th, 2024, that the abducted and murdered marine hunters were buried in shallow graves, our operatives launched a quick operation,” said CP Eribo.

The police investigation led them to a forest between Efiat and Unyenge villages in Mbo L.G.A., where the infamous pirate gang, led by a man known only as “Success,” was thought to be hiding.

The operation resulted in the arrest of 12 suspects, including Utit Antai’s Village Head, Chief Okon Asuquo Etteokpo, who is accused of being a criminal gang ally and spiritual fortifier.

During the raid, a total of 15 live cartridges were recovered.

“After their arrest, a combined team of the Command launched a comprehensive search and discovered the victims’ bodies buried in shallow graves, their heads dismembered,” said CP Eribo.

The gruesome discovery has sent shockwaves across the state.  The police are looking into the motives for the brutal murders.

Other suspects arrested for a variety of crimes, including child theft, impersonation, conspiracy/armed robbery, cultism, and an attack on a police van, were also paraded by the cops.

CP Eribo assured the public that the police are committed to ridding the state of criminals. “We will not hesitate to reward any outstanding police officer or officers for doing a good job while punishing those who fail.

“Justice must be done and demonstrated to all citizens. We must always be courteous and fair to our citizens.

Extortion in any form will not be tolerated by the Command’s hierarchy,” he declared.

This latest development highlights the ongoing struggle against maritime crime in Akwa Ibom State, as well as the need for increased security measures to protect innocent citizens’ lives.