Eight Mummified Bodies Found at Akamkpa Scrap Site, Mortician Arrested
By Missang AKPET
Yesterday Friday, residents of Isong Inyang community along Calabar-Ikom Highway in Akamkpa woke up to a shocking discovery of dead bodies piled up in a scrap site within the community.
According to sources, the bodies were discovered by scrap scavengers who went in search of scrap zinc, only to stumble upon male and female dead bodies stacked up in the house.
An eyewitness revealed that the bodies were treated with chemicals to prevent decay, while some vital body parts were missing from the corpses.
ASP Eitokpa Sunday, the Cross River State Command Police Public Relations Officer, while reacting to the development said the State Police Command had received credible information regarding the presence of corpses at a site in Isong Inyang community, Akamkpa.
Immediately, operatives from the command were mobilized to the scene to verify the report. Upon arrival, eight well-dried corpses were discovered in the scrap hall.
Prompt action by the Police led to the arrest of one suspect, identified as Sunday Ben Reuben, a native of Nsit Ibom, Akwa Ibom State.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspect is a mortician attached to Enghaut Company Mortuary, Akamkpa Local Government Area. The suspect is currently in police custody while a comprehensive investigation is ongoing, according to the PPRO.
The PPRO debunked rumors that the scrap site was run by some Hausa/Fulani, as earlier reported by certain quarters on social media.
"Though some vital body parts were missing from some of the corpses, if we know how morticians operate, we will know that before bodies are being embalmed some body parts are being taken off to prevent decay so it is only when we conclude investigation that we will ascertain the true intent" Eitokpa said.
As at press time, it is yet to be determined if the scrap site was operated by Enghaut Company or the suspect, or if any laws have been contravened.
The command urged the general public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified rumors and speculations.
