Unknown gunmen have kidnapped the Village Head of Ikot Edet in Etim Ekpo local government area of Akwa Ibom State.
He is Chief Mfon Udoessien who was said to have been abducted from his palace, Monday, after a fierce gun battle between the gunmen and the security agents drafted to provide security in the volatile village.
It was learned that the monarch is a brother-in-law to a former Head of Civil Service in Akwa Ibom State, Mrs Cecilia Udoessien.
A resident of the area, who is simply identified as Eno, told newsmen that the monarch, a retired primary school headmaster and former Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, in the area, might have been abducted following his stance on cultism.
According to him, Udoessien has relentlessly been waging war against the activities of gunmen, who have kidnapped no fewer than eight persons in the village.
He said the whereabouts of the monarch is unknown, as the kidnappers are yet to contact the victim’s family.
Eno said: “We think the kidnappers came after the Village Head because of how he has been opposing their activities.
“As of now, we don’t know his whereabouts as the kidnappers are yet to contact any member of the monarch’s family.”
Odiko Macdon, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, who confirmed the kidnapping, said a meeting of the local government chairman and the security chiefs had been convened and far-reaching decisions taken to address the security challenges.
According to Macdon, “security measures are in place; we just concluded a meeting with all the local government chairmen and the security chiefs in the state. That issue came up during the meeting; it is being addressed.
“The monarch’s kidnap happened Monday morning and our men ran into action immediately. The DPO led a team to the palace.”
Meanwhile, unknown arsonists Tuesday set ablaze the house of youth leader of Ikot Edet in Etim Ekpo.
Before then, some unsuspected persons had circulated letters in the village listing names of persons including Udeme Daniel Akpan, the youth leader for killing.
One Moses, an eye witness who confided in Straightnews said “No reason was given for the threat-to-life letter before they decided to wreck mayhem and set the house of the leader ablaze.
Moses said “Scared by the threat-to-life letter, Akpan and his family deserted the compound only for the unsuspected hoodlums to raze the house including household items.”
However, no life was lost.
