Police hunt killers of Akwa Ibom woman lured to death

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the killers of a woman, Unwana Okon, who was murdered in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of the state.

Okon, a resident of Ndot Village, was allegedly lured to Mbiaikot Village under the guise of buying Afang leaves before she was killed.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued in Uyo on Sunday.

According to the police, the incident was reported at about 3.30pm on November 1, 2026, by the victim’s brother, identified as Eno.

John said Eno reported that his sister had received a telephone call from an unidentified person inviting her to Mbiaikot Village to sell Afang leaves.

She said, “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has commenced an intensive investigation and launched a manhunt for the perpetrator(s) of the gruesome murder of one Unwana Okon, a female resident of Ndot Village, Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

“The incident was reported on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at about 1530 hours, by one Eno, who informed the police that his sister, Unwana Okon, had received a telephone call from an unidentified individual inviting her to Mbiaikot Village under the pretext of purchasing Afang leaves.”

The police said Okon honoured the invitation but was later found dead, adding that her mobile phone and an undisclosed sum of money were taken by the assailants.

John said the state Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the killing.

She added that the commissioner directed the immediate transfer of the case from the Divisional Police Headquarters to the Command’s Violence Crime Response Unit for a specialised investigation.

“The Commissioner of Police has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the unfortunate incident and directed that the case be transferred immediately from the Divisional Police Headquarters to the command’s Violence Crime Response Unit for a thorough, specialised and coordinated investigation, with a view to ensuring the swift identification, arrest and prosecution of all persons found culpable,” the statement read.

The command condemned the killing, assuring residents that all operational and investigative resources would be deployed to apprehend those responsible.

It also urged residents of Oruk Anam and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist the investigation.

“The police further urge members of the public, particularly residents of Oruk Anam and neighbouring communities, to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements, persons or information that could assist the ongoing investigation.

“Anyone with credible information is encouraged to contact the nearest Police station or the Command through its established communication channels.

“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reassures residents of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property and will not relent in its determination to rid the state of criminal elements,” part of the statement read.