The Akwa Ibom State Police command says it has rescued a 63-year-old retired Shell Petroleum Company worker, abducted and held hostage by suspected kidnappers.
During the rescue operation, the command said one of the suspected kidnappers died, following a gun duel between the rescue team and the suspected hoodlums.
A press release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Command, ASP Timfon John and made available to journalists in Uyo on Monday, confirmed that the victim was rescued unhurt in Ikot Udobong Village, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area in the state following intelligence.
John stated “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has rescued a kidnapped victim who was abducted and held hostage.
“On 22/06/2024 following intelligence information available at the Command’s disposal about the whereabout of a retired Shell Petroleum Company worker, (Name witheld) ‘M’ 63 yrs, that was kidnapped on 17/06/2024 by four unknown armed men dressed in military camouflage, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Police Command, CP Waheed Ayilara had ordered the SWAT operatives of the command to immediately swing into action.
“Upon sighting the Police, the kidnappers started firing at them. During the ensuing gun duel, one of the Kidnappers sustained serious gun shots injury, while others escaped.
“The injured suspect was taken to a hospital where he was confirmed dead. The victim was rescued unhurt in a compound located at Ikot Udobong Village in Etim Ekpo LGA.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the kidnappers had initially demanded for #50million ransom and was later agreed to #20 million, however, no ransom was paid as at the time of the rescue. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.
“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Police Command, CP Waheed Ayilara has reaffirmed the command’s commitment to rid the state of crime and criminal elements.
“The CP while appreciating Akwa Ibomites for the support to the command, urged them to report any suspicious movements or persons to the Police through the command’s emergency line 09040000065, 08020913810 or report to the nearest police station.”
