UKIM ITA, ODUKPANI – Community leaders in Ukim Ita have expressed concern over what they describe as a lapse in the handling of a murder investigation, after the brother of a prime suspect – arrested while fleeing into the forest with a gun – was not transferred to Calabar along with the main suspect.
The suspect, Akaniyene Ignatius Eshiet, a 30‑year‑old from Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, is currently in custody after being arrested for the brutal murder of two persons in Ukim Ita and Akai Ibonda communities. He reportedly confessed to killing 30 people in total.
However, his brother, Itoro Uwem Ignatius Eshiet, who was also arrested, has not been transferred to the state capital, raising questions among community members.
According to the Village Head of Ukim Ita Eyo Ndem Community, Chief Samuel Ekpe Ita, the youths who were investigating the suspect’s compound discovered that one of the suspect’s brothers had taken a gun from the house and fled into the forest.
“The youths later apprehended him and handed him over to the police,” Chief Ita recounted. “However, it surprised me that he was not transferred to Calabar along with his brother.”
The Village Head, who played a key role in the arrest of the prime suspect, expressed bewilderment at the decision. He had coordinated with military personnel and community youths to track down the suspect, leading to his arrest in a forest hideout called Otu Idim.
The suspect was found naked, attempted to escape, but was apprehended after warning shots were fired by the military. He was handed over to the police in Creek Town. His girlfriend, Uduak Essien, who was identified as an accomplice, was also arrested and transferred to Calabar.
The brother’s arrest occurred separately. The youths, while continuing their investigation at the suspect’s residence, reportedly saw Itoro Uwem Ignatius Eshiet take a gun from the house and flee into the forest. He was pursued, apprehended, and handed over to the police.
As of the time of this report, to the community, it remains unclear why the brother was not transferred to Calabar alongside the prime suspect and his girlfriend. However, interactions with Police Public Relations Officer Eitokpah Sunday suggests he was released because the police did not have enough evidence to detain him.
The community, still reeling from the discovery of shallow graves, dismembered bodies, and ritual items, now fears that the brother’s release or separate handling could pose a continued threat.
“Let the government do whatever they can to them so we can have peace in our community,” Chief Ita pleaded.
He also revealed that the suspect had allegedly drafted a list of people he intended to kill, adding to the community’s anxiety.
“If they come back to this community, they would do worse,” he warned. “If he comes back here, he would start from where he stopped.”
Another witness, Okon Effiong Okon, expressed similar fears. “It is not safe for such a person to come back, not to any human society,” he said, referring to the suspect’s brother and his potential return.
The investigation is ongoing, with the head and body of the second victim having been deposited in a mortuary for examination.
EDITORIAL
This is an ongoing investigation.
