The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has begun a manhunt for those responsible for the murder of a woman, Unwana Okon, who was killed in the state’s Oruk Anam Local Government Area.
Okon, who lived in Ndot Village, was reportedly lured to Mbiaikot Village on the pretext of buying Afang leaves before she was killed.
The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, made this known in a statement issued in Uyo on Sunday.
According to the police, the victim’s brother, identified as Eno, reported the incident at about 3.30pm on November 1, 2026.
John said Eno reported that his sister had received a phone 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 stated that Okon accepted the invitation but was later discovered dead and added that the attackers took her mobile phone along with an unspecified amount of money.
John said that the state Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, had ordered a thorough investigation into the killing.
She added that the commissioner instructed that the case be moved at once from the Divisional Police Headquarters to the Command’s Violence Crime Response Unit so that it could be investigated by specialists.
“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, specialized, and coordinated investigation, with a view to ensuring the swift identification, arrest, and prosecution of all persons found culpable,” the statement read.
The command denounced the killing and assured residents that every operational and investigative resource would be deployed to catch those responsible.
It also called on the people of Oruk Anam and nearby communities to stay alert and supply credible information that could help the investigation.
“The police further urge members of the public, particularly residents of Oruk Anam and neighboring 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.
