Manhunt underway after herder assaulted, cow killed in Uyo

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom has launched a manhunt for the attackers of a herder in Etoi village, located in the Uyo Local Government Area of the state.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued in Uyo on Saturday.

“The Police Command in Akwa Ibom has launched a full-scale investigation and manhunt for a group of individuals involved in conspiracy, assault, and theft,” John said.

According to her, the police received a distress call from a resident of Etoi village on 11 September at approximately 5:30 p.m., reporting that a herder was being held hostage in the bush and that one of his cows had been killed by unknown individuals.

“Upon receiving the information, operatives were immediately dispatched to the scene,” she added.

John stated that the suspects fled upon sighting the police, abandoning six sacks of cow meat at the scene.

She added that the herder had managed to escape with the remainder of his herd.

“When Prince Ahmed Aliyu, Secretary of the Cattle Dealers Association of Akwa Ibom, was contacted, he identified the slaughtered cow as belonging to Alhaji Siddiki Makaka,” she said.

The Command’s spokesperson noted that the six recovered sacks of meat had since been handed over to the owner.

John also stated that a discreet investigation was ongoing to ensure the perpetrators were brought to justice.

She reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of all citizens, and urged anyone with relevant information about the incident to come forward and assist the police.

(NAN)