by Rachel Ogbu

A trader was reported raped and strangled by suspected hoodlums at Afaha Market in Ibesikpo/Asuntan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The incidence happened on Tuesday night when the woman from Ogoja, Cross River State had gone to the weekly Afaha market.

According to eyewitness report, the woman, popularly called ‘Mama Oliver’, was said to have gone outside the house to urinate when four men attacked her raping her in turns.

“It was believed that they strangled her because she could identify some of the criminals. They feared that she might expose them if they let her go.”

Eno Edet, who is Mama Oliver’s friend, was in shock when she spoke to reporters close to the deceased spot in the market. “I would never assume that anyone could be so callous as to kill an innocent woman just because of sex.”

“We have refused to sell things. The death of Mama Oliver is painful. She and her other sisters usually come from Ogoja on Afaha Market days.

“You can see her space in the market with her wares. We are really sad.”

Another trader, Ekong Okon, reportedly said: “Where the women slept was not far from where Mama Oliver went to urinate. If there was light, we would have seen the men.

“I think Mama Oliver knew some of these men. This could be the reason why they killed her. I still believe that if the place had been properly illuminated, the sad incident would have been averted.”

According to reports, Mama Oliver’s body  had since been taken to a mortuary in Ibesikpo/Asutan LGA.

The State Police Command’s spokesperson, Etim Dickson was yet to respond to the tragedy.