Unknown gunmen abducted the Paramount Ruler of Mbo Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, Ogwong Okon Asukwo Abang, from his palace in Ebughu on Saturday by 9 p.m.
This incident adds to growing concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the Oron axis.
The abduction occurred at his palace during which his wife, Obonganwan Okon Abang, was shot in the leg and was critically wounded.
According to a family source, the gunmen stormed the palace, firing shots and dragging the monarch away.
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His wife was rushed to a private hospital in Oron, where medical personnel worked tirelessly till day break to save her life.
The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Waheed Ayilara, promptly led a team of security personnel to the scene on Sunday morning, May 19 to initiate immediate security operations.
Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has directed the transfer of the monarch’s wife to a specialist hospital for further medical attention.
The kidnapping of the monarch follows the abduction of Dr. John Robbin Esu, a doctor in the state who has been held captive for nearly three weeks.
His kidnapping compelled medical doctors to have withdrawn their services from both the private and public hospitals and other health facilities in the state.
Just last week, the wife of Chief Asukwo Eweme Ulap Okon, a notable political figure known as Levile, was also kidnapped in Oron.
Speaking with Straightnews on Sunday, May 19, on a telephone interview, ASP Timfon John, the Akwa Ibom State Police/Public Officer, confirmed to that the monarch was in kidnappers’ den.
She said the police Commissioner had visited the Ebughu Palace of the ruler, and directed AAnti-Kidnapping and Tactical teams to the rescue the monarch unhurt.
