The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has exhumed bodies of marine hunters of the Ministry of Internal Security and Inland Waterways who were kidnapped, murdered, and buried by notorious criminals in Unyenghe, in the Mbo Local Government Area of the state.

It also disclosed that those suspected to be behind the hunters’ gruesome murder have been apprehended.

The police also revealed that the Village Head of Utit Antai, Chief Okon Asuquo Eteokpo, who was said to be fortifying the suspected murderers was arrested with the suspect.

The command, in a statement on Friday by its Spokesperson, Timfon John, said the bodies were exhumed on Thursday following information that the hunters were slain and buried in shallow graves.

According to him, the marine hunters were abducted, killed, and buried in shallow graves within the community.

The statement read, “The command’s operatives upon getting the information embarked on a hot chase of the suspects and arrested the following suspects, Anthony Archibong ‘M’ 46yrs, Emmanuel Emmanuel Otoyo ‘M’ 18yrs, Daniel Edet Okon ‘M’ 26yrs, Eniete Harry Tom ‘M’ 34yrs, Joseph Okon ‘M’ 44yrs were 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 comprehensive search for the corpses and found them buried in shallow graves after hours of frantic toil, with their heads dismembered.

“The command has again reassured members of the public of their intentional determination to rid the State of crime and criminal elements appealing to members of the public to always report suspicious people and movements within their domain to the nearest police station.”