Samuel Ogenyi/Ugbana Ukioma, Uyo Correspondent
The Police in Akwa Ibom have arrested three suspected herdsmen over the killing of one Peter Edem of Afaha Atai Village in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area in his farm last week.
Edem was alleged to have been stabbed to death by the three cattle rearers namely Shehu Ule, Aliyu Umar and Neusa Adamu while in his farm at Shelter Afrique extension in Uyo.
A statement from the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, MacDon Odiko in Uyo on Tuesday said the arrest followed a directive by the state Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal.
And inorder to forestall the brak down of law and order following the arrest the CP convened a peace meeting between traditional rulers from Akwa Ibom and leaders of the Fulani community in the state to acquaint them of the development.
“On 30/11/2019, at about 11:00am, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command received a report from one Ime Aman Essien, of Afaha Atai Village in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, that one Peter Edem Asuquo of same address, while in his farm, was stabbed at about 9:30am of same date, leading to his death by suspected Cattle Rearers at Shelter Afrique Extention.
“On the strength of the aforesaid, the Commissioner of Police, CP IMOHIMI EDGAL, ordered the immediate arrest of the perpetrators of the dastardly crime.They include Shehu Ule, Aliyu Umar and Neusa Adamu
“To further enhance peaceful coexistence and prevent any break down of law and order, the Commissioner of Police, on Monday, 2nd December, 2019, held a peace meeting in his office with the following persons in attendance;
Ette Idung Etim Edet, who is the Traditional Leader and Head of Afaha Atai, Alhaji Mustapha Gurama, who is the Chairman of the Fulani Community.
“The brother of the deceased, Mr Eyong Edem, was also in attendance, including the Village Council Chairman, Mr Ita Ekpo. Others were members of the Vigilante, the DPO of Shelter Arique Division and other leaders of thought.” It said.
The CP sympathised with the family of the deceased for the loss but implored, and retained therefrom, the assurances of stakeholders present in the meeting to maintain the peace and avoid a breakdown of law and order while also assuring them that the perpetrators would be charged to court immediately.
He further reiterated his commitment to the protection of lives and property in every part of Akwa Ibom and warned criminal elements to steer clear of the State forthwith as the Command would leave no stone unturned in clamping down on every form of criminality.
