In a chilling revelation, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has confirmed the gruesome murders of two suspected cultists in Mbo Local Government Area, uncovering a deadly cult rivalry that shook the community.
One victim, Paul Eyo, allegedly a member of the Black Axe confraternity, was brutally hacked to death, while another, identified only as Ekpe, a suspected Viking cult member, was beheaded in an act of barbaric violence.
Commissioner of Police, CP Joseph Eribo, speaking during a media briefing at the state headquarters in Uyo on Friday, provided details on the swift police intervention following a tip-off from the community’s youth leader.
Cap Eribo reported that three suspects linked to the killings were promptly arrested at a secluded ravine in Mbo LGA, following a coordinated intelligence operations. These arrests, according to him, shed light on the underworld of cult rivalries that have long plagued the region.
The police’s investigation also led to the recovery of incriminating items, including Viking-insignia caps, household electronics, and motorcycles, hinting at the deep-seated connection between these violent acts and broader criminal activities in the area.
CP Eribo also unveiled a series of operations that have resulted in the arrest of motorcycle snatchers and an intricate vehicle theft syndicate. Two suspects, Tony Ntuen and Iniobong Johnny, both from Ibesikpo LGA, were apprehended for orchestrating a notorious scheme of motorcycle robbery. The duo would pose as passengers, lure riders into isolated areas, and rob them with the aid of accomplices.
A significant breakthrough came when the police tracked and recovered a stolen Qlink motorcycle fitted with a security device, leading to the suspects’ downfall. Similarly, the dismantling of a vehicle theft network saw the arrest of two key suspects involved in stripping stolen vehicles for parts. Their latest victim, whose bus was butchered into scraps at a mechanic village in Uyo, exposed the elaborate mechanics of this criminal operation.
CP Eribo assured the public that these suspects will face justice in court as investigations conclude, reiterating the police force’s unwavering commitment to eradicating crime in Akwa Ibom. He called on residents to be vigilant and report suspicious activities, emphasizing that community collaboration is crucial to maintaining peace and security.
