The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has launched an investigation and manhunt for the suspected killers of a woman, Unwana Okon, murdered in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of the state.

Okon, a resident of Ndot Village, was allegedly lured to Mbiaikot Village by an unidentified individual who contacted her under the guise of purchasing Afang leaves.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued in Uyo on Sunday.

She said the incident was reported at about 3:30 p.m. on November 1 by the victim’s brother, identified as Eno, who informed the police that his sister had received a telephone invitation to Mbiaikot Village to sell the leaves.

According to the police, Okon honoured the invitation but was later found dead. Her mobile phone and an undisclosed amount of money were reportedly taken by the assailants.

The Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the killing and directed that the case be transferred from the Divisional Police Headquarters to the command’s Violence Crime Response Unit for specialised investigation.

The unit is expected to coordinate efforts to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible for the murder.

The command condemned the incident and assured residents that all available operational and investigative resources would be deployed to track down the perpetrators.

It also urged residents of Oruk Anam and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or information that could assist the investigation.

The police encouraged anyone with credible information about the incident to contact the nearest police station or use the command’s established communication channels.