Two arrested in Akwa Ibom for machete attacks and robberies

The Nigeria Police Force in Akwa Ibom State has arrested two men for alleged machete attacks and robberies aimed at women in Uyo.

The arrest happened less than 24 hours after the police asked victims of the machete attacks in Uyo to come forward and make formal reports.

The suspects are Wisdom Effiong, 27, and Yakub Abdullah. The police claim Abdullah received some items that were stolen during the attacks.

The police shared this information in a statement released on Thursday by Timfon John, a deputy superintendent of police.

According to the statement, Effiong, who is from Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, was arrested based on reports about the attacks that were shared on social media.

The police say Effiong lives in Ikot Okubo Village, Uyo Local Government Area. He is accused of using a machete to attack and rob women in various parts of the city.

"During the investigation, the police also arrested Yakub Abdullah, who lives on Udi Street, Uyo. He is accused of receiving some of the items that were reported stolen during the attacks," the statement said.

The police stated that initial findings suggest the stolen items were given to Abdullah by Effiong.

Items recovered from the suspects include a machete, a woman's handbag, a Tecno POP 5 Android phone, an iPhone 11, a Remi Android phone, and three power banks.

The police said seven women have identified Effiong as the person who attacked and robbed them.

They added that investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspects' involvement and to find other potential victims or accomplices.

The police have asked residents who may have been attacked or robbed in connection with these incidents to report to the Police Public Relations Unit or the nearest police station.

The command believes that more reports will help them identify more victims and improve the investigation.

The suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged in court after investigations wrap up.

The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, Baba Azare, thanked the public for the information that helped in making the arrests.

On Thursday morning, the police urged victims of the machete attacks in Uyo to formally report to the police after news of the attacks spread on social media.

Mr Azare also encouraged residents to quickly report any suspicious activities or crimes to the police.