The whereabouts of an ace radio programmes’ producer and newspaper editor from Akwa Ibom State are said to be unknown.
Mr. Uduakabasi Ikpat, the editor of Real News, and a member of All Progressives Congress, was said to have been last seen on Thursday, August 6 before his sudden disappearance.
This may not be unconnected with the publication of New Works Commissioner, Professor Eno Ibanga Runs ‘Mad by his newspaper on Thursday, August 6.
A Facebook post on his wall says “He was being threatened via calls and text messages over a news report alleging that new commissioner for works, Mr. Eno Ibanga, forced his way into the ministry’s secretariat.
The post also states “The syndicated report which carries no byline was also published on Real News Weekly, a tabloid edited by Mr. Ikpat.
“You will be hunted down in this town,” one of callers threatened.
“Your days are numbered, watch out,” another caller said.
“Meanwhile, the commissioner through his lawyer, Ekemini Udim, has demanded a retraction of the said report within 48 hours. Udim, in addition, demands that a written apology be sent to Prof. Ibanga otherwise a legal suit would be filed against Mr. Ikpa,” the Facebook post added.
A press release signed by Mr. Nkereuwem Enyongekere, the State Publicity Secretary of APC, on Saturday, August 8, said “Our Party has been very worried and distressed to learn of the abduction of Mr. Uduak Ikpatt, one of our strong members who is also a newspaper publisher here in Uyo.
“Today, the Ag. Chairman, Dr. Ita Udosen has spoken with the highest levels of the DSS and Nigerian Police Force in the state.
“Both have confirmed that Uduak is not in their custody.
“This might therefore appear more as a criminal abduction or kidnap.
“The Party therefore advises Uduak’s family to formally report the matter to the Police and the DSS, and keep the Party informed as soon as that is done.
“The Party will do everything in its power to have Uduak return safely to his family.
We enjoin all our faithful to continue to pray for his safe return to his family and our APC fold soonest,” Enyongekere noted.
Speaking with Straightnews on Saturday, August 8, Imaobong Akpakpan, one of the radio presenters of a programme- Team Nigeria Classic- sponsored by Senator Ita Enang, Senior Special to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and anchored by Ikpat, confirmed the story.
A source that did not want to be quoted, confided in the online newspaper “He might have been abducted by unknown persons. On the other hand, he might have staged his abduction to escape the threats to his life or to keep people he offended by his publication at bay.”
