From Isaac Job, Uyo.
Akwa Ibom State Police Command has begun a manhunt for suspected cultists who murdered a middle aged farmer, Itoro Jimmy Umanah, from Udianga Enem, in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of the state.
Sources in the community said the incident occurred last weekend by 10:am when the victim, his wife and three children were already asleep as the killers stormed the compound called out the victim outside where they cut him to pieces leaving the dismembered body in the pool of his blood.
The widow, Mrs. Jimmy ,while interacting with Daily Sun in the community, said the suspected cultists entered their compound, called her late husband out and started cutting him with matchets .
“They came at about 10:00 pm, my husband, who was tired after returning from work was sleeping at the veranda resting because of heat inside. They (the assailants) came, called my husband out .
“My husband shouted and raised the alarm but no one came to his rescue and suddenly his voice could not be heard again. At that point, I took my children and escaped into the bush behind our backyard .
“In the morning neighbours arrived to see his dismembered body . I have three children and the eldest is in final year in a Monotechnic in Uyo”
A family member who preferred anonymity recalled that the deceased have been in a running battle over a parcel of land with his elder brother before the sad incident occurred.
The Village Chairman, Chief Lawson Marcus Akpanowon said the incident was reported to the Police station at Utu Etim Ekpo, headquarters of Etim Ekpo LGA.
He said the body of the victim was mutilated in such a way that the police allowed us the bury him.
“After securing Police consent, we buried the deceased . The Police team had come to see the body cut into pieces, and we were asked to work in synergy and do some internal investigations.
Akwa Ibom state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)DSP Timfon John,said the command has declared a manhunt on the assailants , adding that,” Investigation on the incident has commenced . I will update you before the d as day is over . Investigation is ongoing. “