October 20, 2021
11:10
Priscilla Peixoto – from Cenarium
MANAUS – The search for the fisherman Elias Araújo, who disappeared last Friday afternoon, 15, in the municipality of Novo Airão, 194 kilometers from Manaus, continues. The man was in company of another fisherman, Roberto José, in the region of the Apuaú river, when they were attacked by alleged pirates who operate in that locality. The police suspect the involvement of traffickers in the action.
According to the responsible for the police station in the city, Renato Simões, the team continues to search for the fisherman. “The search continues, the work is joint between the Civil Police, Military Police, Fire Department and Civil Defense”, said the delegate to CENARIUM.
The information passed on by the police authority contradicts what was published by some local news sites, that only Elias’ body would have been found after being beheaded by the “river pirates”. “So far no body has been found and another is in the hospital. We are waiting for him to be released to hear him”, explained the delegate, also informing that the family of the missing man is contributing to the on-site search.
Reports and actions
Also according to information published in news sites, Elias’ colleague Roberto José only escaped because he managed to swim and hide in a wooded area near the site of the attack. Roberto was found by local residents who helped the teams responsible for searching for the victims.
The fisherman was taken to a hospital in the city of Novo Airão with several wounds, and as soon as he is released he will be heard by the Civil Police. According to the police, it is suspected that the fishermen were victims of drug dealers who operate in bases near the location, which facilitates attacks on the fishermen.
The command of the 6th Military Group stated that the Military Police and the security forces of the municipality have been engaged in activities aimed at the daily safety of the city. CENARIUM contacted the family of Elias Araújo, but as of the publication of this article there has been no return.