Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Uyo, on Friday sentenced a 38-year-old man, Anwanga Effiong Udofia to d3ath for the m8rder of a nine-year-old pupil of Lutheran Primary School, Itoko, in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.
The tragic incident occurred on 6th December 2016 at Nung Oku Akpasima village, Ibesikpo Asutan, when the victim, Aniekan Idongesit Edet, a primary five pupil was on his way to school.
According to court records, Udo, a native of Itoko Village pursued the young pupil with two machetes, overpowered him and inflicted fatal injuries.
A friend of the deceased and primary four pupil, recounted the events leading to the killing.
“On the morning of 6th December 2016, we were going to school when I saw Anwanga. I used to see him smoking Indian hemp carrying two machetes, one tucked into his trousers and the other in his hand. He started chasing Aniekan, who ran into the bush opposite the school. I don’t know exactly what happened after that. None of the teachers have arrived the school then,” he narrated.
The following day, children searching for firewood discovered the boy’s body in a pool of blood, still in his school uniform, with one of his hands severed, and his neck, a deep cut consistent with a machete attack.
Udo was charged with m8rder contrary to Section 326(1) of the Criminal Code, Vol. 2, Laws of Akwa Ibom State.
During the trial, the prosecution called four witnesses and tendered five exhibits to support its case.
The defendant also testified in his defense.
In delivering judgment, the presiding judge, Hon. Justice Archibong Archibong held that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
“Therefore, I find the defendant guilty as charged and accordingly convict him. The sentence of this court is that you be hanged by the neck until you are dead. May the Lord have mercy on your soul,” Justice Archibong declared.
The judgment marks the end of a case that has haunted the Itoko community for nearly a decade, highlighting the tragic loss of a young promising life and the course of justice in Akwa Ibom State.
