The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two suspects over alleged machete attacks and robberies targeting women in Uyo.
The spokesperson for the command, DSP Timfon John, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, October 8, 2026 said the suspects, Wisdom Effiong and Yakub Abdullah, were arrested 24 hours after the police called on victims to make formal reports.
According to the PPRO, Effiong, from Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, was arrested following information and reports about the alleged attacks circulated on social media.
The suspect allegedly used a machete to attack and rob women in different parts of the city.
Yakub Abdullah is alleged to have received some of the items reportedly stolen during the attacks.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested Wisdom Effiong, 27, in connection with a series of alleged machete attacks and robberies targeting women in Uyo, following information and reports circulated on social media,” the statement read.
“The suspect, a native of Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State and a resident of Ikot Okubo Village, Uyo Local Government Area, was arrested in connection with the alleged attacks.
“During the course of investigation, the Police also arrested Yakub Abdullah ‘M’ of Udi Street, Uyo, who is alleged to have received some of the items reportedly stolen during the attacks.
“Preliminary investigation indicates that the stolen items were handed over to him by the machete attack suspect.
“Items recovered in connection with the investigation include one machete, a woman’s handbag, one Tecno POP 5 Android phone, one iPhone 11, one Remi Android phone, and three power banks.
“So far, seven women have identified Wisdom Effiong as the person who allegedly attacked and robbed them, while investigation is ongoing to establish the full extent of the suspects’ involvement and identify other possible victims or accomplices.
“The Command is therefore appealing to anyone who may have been attacked or robbed in connection with the incidents to come forward and report to the Police Public Relations Unit, Akwa Ibom State Police Command, or the nearest Police Station. Such reports will assist the Command in identifying additional victims and strengthening the ongoing investigation.
“The suspects remain in Police custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigation.
“The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, appreciates members of the public for providing information that assisted the Police in apprehending the suspects and urges residents to continue to promptly report suspicious activities and criminal incidents to the Police.
