The Police in Cross River has arrested three suspects for allegedly robbing travellers along Calabar-Ikom highway.
According to a statement by SP Irene Ugbo, police spokesperson in the state, the suspects allegedly robbed travellers of their valuables worth N455,000.
Ugbo said the arrest followed a distress call on 8th September 2024, from a motorist travelling from Ikom to Calabar, reporting that they were robbed of their valuables. She said various weapons were recovered from the suspects, adding that they will be charged to court The suspects blocked the federal highway along small Iwuru village in Akamkpa Local Government Area. Upon receiving the report, a team of officers from the Anti-Cultism and Kidnapping Squad (ACKS) stationed at Uyanga swiftly mobilised and responded to the distress call. The cross River state Police command and patrol squad has been on a hunt for the suspect.
“The squad traced the suspects to their hideout, leading to the arrest of three male robbers; Sunday Sunday Udo, age 27; Godday Friday Essien, age 22; and Kufre Edet Umoren, age 33.
“One locally made short gun, three machetes, and one short iron pipe and other items were recovered.
sometimes they use fake weapons and mask themselves to attack people and passengers on the road and highway from day to day and it has become a daily hustle for them, sometimes they block the road in the name of bad road then use that avenue to loot from travelers on the highway everyday.
“The suspects are currently in custody and will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the investigation.” He added.
For years now, users and passengers who use and apply the road from Calabar to ikom highway always face fear and challenge of youths who take up arms to disturb people on the highway taking their belongings and sometimes steal cars leaving drivers on the road stranded, this has caused fear and unrest on the highway for years now with most people postponing travels or use other roots . Calabar ikom highway is the only road but not safe because of this boys on the road, some of the suspect are said to be youths of the communities around the highway and have daily business on the highway.
