Fisherman kills pregnant woman for rituals in Akwa-Ibom

A 25-year-old man, Edet Asuquo has been paraded by Akwa Ibom State Police Command, for allegedly murdering a pregnant woman and using her and the unborn child for rituals.

Edet Asuquo,  a native of Ikot Otu in Itu Local Government area of the state, was said to have connived with four others to remove the foetus from the woman’s womb at night.

The deceased was a native of Cross River State and was said to be a customer to Asuquo who deals in oysters.

According to the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Cordelia Nwawe, “Asuquo, having sold the first part of his seafood to the pregnant woman, lured her to his home claiming that he had abundance of oysters at a cheaper rate.

The woman had innocently followed him home, where she was killed and her corpse hidden near a plantain tree on the premises.

“Asuquo confessed that a leader in his village gave a JOB to him and his friends to kill a pregnant woman for N50, 000 so that he could use the foetus for sacrifice. We were five that were asked to kill a pregnant woman so that her head and unborn child would be removed and used for ritual purpose.

“He told us that after we have carried out the job, he will give each one of us N50, 000. He did not give us any advance payment, after we had done the job, my sister reported the matter to my elder brother, who in turn called the police. The suspect and those at large were contracted by a village leader for N250, 000, to kill a pregnant woman and remove the woman’s head and the foetus for ritual purpose.

“Luck, however, ran out on them as Asuquo’s sister reported the matter to their elder brother, who invited the police. The pregnant mother had gone to the MARKET to buy oysters from Asuquo. The man lured her to his house to buy more oysters. The unsuspecting pregnant woman was murdered there,” the Police spokesperson stated.