A suspected machete-wielding robber who allegedly terrorised residents of Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, has been arrested by the police after several women identified him as their attacker.
The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Wisdom Effiong, was arrested following reports of repeated evening attacks in the Osongama area, where victims were allegedly robbed of their phones, handbags and other valuables.
The incidents had caused fear among residents after several victims shared their experiences on social media, raising concerns about safety in the area.
Some of the victims said they were attacked while waiting at street corners, adding that the robber snatched their belongings and left many people afraid to move around at night.
Confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer in Akwa Ibom State, Timfon John, said the suspect was arrested in connection with a series of alleged machete attacks and robberies targeting women in Uyo.
She said the suspect, who is from Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State but lives at Ikot Okubo in Uyo, was tracked and arrested during police investigations.
The police also arrested Yakub Abdullah of Udi Street, Uyo, for allegedly receiving items believed to have been stolen during the attacks.
According to the police, investigators recovered one machete, a woman’s handbag, a Tecno POP 5 Android phone, an iPhone 11, a Redmi Android phone and three power banks.
The command disclosed that seven women have so far identified Wisdom Effiong as the man who allegedly attacked and robbed them.
Police said investigations are continuing to determine the full extent of the suspects’ involvement and to identify other possible victims or accomplices.
The command appealed to anyone who may have been attacked or robbed in connection with the incidents to report to the Police Public Relations Unit or the nearest police station to assist the ongoing investigation.
It said the suspects remain in police custody and will be charged to court after investigations are completed.
