The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has rescued a herder and recovered six sacks of cow meat after suspected rustlers attacked him in Etoi village, Uyo Local Government Area.
The incident happened on Thursday, September 11, 2025, according to the command’s spokesperson, Timfon John, who confirmed the development in a statement on Saturday.
She explained that officers received a distress call at about 5:30 p.m. from a resident who reported that a herder had been ambushed, held hostage, and one of his cows slaughtered in the bush.
“Operatives were immediately deployed to the scene. On sighting the police, the suspects fled, abandoning six sacks of cow meat. The herder, who hails from Jada LGA of Adamawa State, managed to escape with the rest of his cattle,” John said.
The police later handed over the recovered meat to the herder, who was identified by members of the Cattle Dealers Association of Akwa Ibom.
Prince Ahmed Aliyu, Secretary of the association, confirmed the ownership of the slaughtered cow. “The cow belongs to Alhaji Siddiki Makaka, also from Jada LGA of Adamawa. We appreciate the police for recovering the meat and handing it back to the rightful owner,” he stated.
John assured that the command had launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects. “A discreet investigation is ongoing, and those behind this criminal act will be brought to justice. We urge residents with useful information to come forward,” she added.
This incident comes barely two weeks after police operatives raided a suspected cult hideout in Ikot Obio Ekpong village, Etim Ekpo LGA, where firearms and charms were recovered.
The command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
