‘Her only desire was to earn a decent living’ — Akwa Ibom condemns killing of female job seeker

The Akwa Ibom state government has condemned the killing of Iniobong Umoren, a female job seeker in the state.

Umoren was declared missing after leaving home to meet a Twitter user over a potential job offer.

Uduak Umoh, Umoren’s friend who had raised an alarm after her whereabouts became unknown, broke the news of her death on Sunday.

The state police arrested the suspect, Uduak Akpan, who was said to have confessed to sexually and physically assaulting the deceased.

Akpan was said to have subsequently buried the victim in a shallow grave in his father’s house.

Reacting to news of the incident, Ini Ememobong, commissioner for information in a statement, said the state government was saddened by the killing and condemns the act.

He said Udom Emmanuel, governor of the state, has informed the police of his desire to ensure justice is served to all those responsible for the killing.

The governor also commiserated with the family of the deceased on the loss of their loved one.

“The Akwa Ibom State Government is deeply saddened by the news of the demise of Miss Iniobong Umoren, who is said to have been abducted, raped, assaulted and eventually murdered by Uduak Frank Akpan,” the statement said.

“This news which was conveyed by the Police is heart wrenching and most disturbing considering the age of the persons involved.

“The Governor, while thanking the police for the arrest and interrogation of the suspect, has communicated to the Police hierarchy in the state, his desire for the full administration of justice to the culprit and all persons involved in this crime. This is the least that will be acceptable.

“We condemn in totality the gruesome acts that led to the loss of the life of an innocent young woman, whose sincere desire was to earn a decent living. Our state must remain a safe location for all peace loving and law abiding citizens at all times.

“We commiserate with the deceased family on this very painful loss and pray God to comfort them.”