Two persons in Ukanafun local government area of Akwa Ibom State were Wednesday night killed by unknown gunmen, Straightnews has gathered.
It was further gathered that the suspected gunmen set ablaze 10 market stalls in Akpan Assiek Market, a major market in the area, with goods and planks as well as burnt down two cars including dyna worth millions of naira.
In addition, they were said to have razed few houses near the market as well as allegedly robbed some persons and house owners, a source confided in Straightnews.
A source in the area told Straightnews that the hoodlums later kidnapped the first son and killed the house boy of one Udo Harry from Ikot Akpan Afaha in Ukanafun.
Mr. Uko Idiong , the chairman of Ukanafun local government area, who confirmed the incident to our reporter in a telephone interview on Thursday, said the incident was promptly reported to police.
According to him, the security operatives visited the market, extinguished the fire and kept vigil in the area to checkmate further criminal activities.
The local government boss said the indiscriminate killings and kidnappings may be connected with the wish of the state government wanting to grant them amnesty, vowing to resist the move because, according to him, their activities are purely criminal and should be treated as such.
Efforts to reach DSP Odiko O. Macdon, the Police Public Relations Officer of Akwa Ibom State Police Command proved abortive as at the time of going to the press as his telephone rang but he did not pick
Meanwhile, Pastor Mfon Akpan Udo Nneke, Area Superintendent of The Apostolic Church, Ikot Akpa Idem in Ukanafun, who was kidnapped, Monday, March 12 from the church, has been released.
A source from the village told Straightnews that the pastor was released Wednesday, though he did not know if ransom had been paid to his abductors.
Before then, the kidnappers had wanted the family to pay them N10 million ransom to secure his release, even though the family could not pay it.
However, Deacon Alexander Tom Umoh kidnapped same day in Ikot Akpa Idem is still said to be in the kidnappers’ den, according to another source.
In another development, the military Joint Task Force is said to be raiding Etim Ekpo and Ukanafun local government areas since last week.
A source from the areas with unconfirmed report hinted Straightnews that more than 30 hoodlums terrorising the areas have been killed, few have been apprehended and others had escaped to unknown destinations.
