The village head of Ikot Edet in Etim Ekpo local government area of Akwa Ibom State abducted by unknown gunmen has breathed fresh air of freedom, Straightnews has learnt.
Chief Mfon Udoessien kidnapped from his palace on Monday, February 26 was released two days ago after his family was said to have paid ransom to his abductors.
A family source that did not want his name in print confided in Straightnews that “The sum of N5 million of the N7 million demanded was paid to the suspected kidnappers before his release.”
It is learnt that the monarch is a brother-in-law to the erstwhile Akwa Ibom Head of Service, Mrs. Cecilia Udoessien has returned to his home.
A retired primary school headmaster and the former chairman of of Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Etim Ekpo branch, the village head’s abduction might be in connection with his hard stance on secret cultism.
However, DSP Odiko O. Macdon said he was not aware if the village head had been released, attributing paucity of information on the matter to the recent re-deployment of of Divisional Police Officer, DPO, and posting of a new one to the area.
Meanwhile, a high-powered team by Inspector General of Police from Abuja is in Akwa Ibom to meet with stakeholders from Etim Ekpo and Ukanafun local government areas on the escalating security situations of the two areas.
The meeting, according to the source, is expected to hold in Uyo (today) Thursday at 3 p.m. to hear from some prominent indigenes of the areas with a view to nipping the security infractions in the bud.
Details of the meeting later…
