UYO-A native of Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State has been arrested by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command over series of alleged machete attacks and robberies in the Uyo metropolis.
The suspect, Mr Wisdom Effiong, aged 27 years , resident of Ikot Okubo Village,Uyo Local Government Area, was said to be targeting women in his criminal activities .
A press release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said Effiong was apprehended following information and reports circulated on social media.
According to the release, “during the course of investigation, the Police also arrested Yakub Abdullah ‘M’ of Udi Street, Uyo, who is alleged to have received some of the items reportedly stolen during the attacks. Preliminary investigation indicates that the stolen items were handed over to him by the machete attack suspect.”
Items recovered in connection with the investigation include one machete, a woman’s handbag, one Tecno POP 5 Android phone, one iPhone 11, one Remi Android phone, and three power banks.
The statement indicated that seven women have identified Effiong as the person who allegedly attacked and robbed them, while investigation is ongoing to establish the full extent of the suspects’ involvement and identify other possible victims or accomplices.
“The Command is therefore appealing to anyone who may have been attacked or robbed in connection with the incidents to come forward and report to the Police Public Relations Unit, Akwa Ibom State Police Command, or the nearest Police Station. Such reports will assist the Command in identifying additional victims and strengthening the ongoing investigation,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, has appreciated members of the public for providing information that assisted the Police in apprehending the suspects and urged residents to continue to promptly report suspicious activities and criminal incidents to the Police.
The suspects are now guests in Police custody and to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigation.