A political party chieftain, Dr. Andrew Uwanta and Director of Finance in Nsit Atai Local Government Council of Akwa Ibom State, Elder Nyaknobong Etuk recently kidnapped by unknown persons have breathed fresh air of freedom.
Uwanta comes from Etinan while Etuk hails from Oruk Anam Local Government Area.
Uwanta who served as Chairman of Akwa Ubok Abasi Campaign Organisation 2023 under Young Progressives Party (YPP) is said to have been kidnapped Tuesday, April 9 when he visited his farm located along Etinan/Mkpat Enin Road.
A Facebook writer, Imo Udoima wrote on his timeline that upon receiving the news, the Transition Chairman of Etinan Local Government, Mr. Uko Umoh swung into action by inviting the men of the Nigerian Army, 2 Brigade Headquarters, Uyo to help secure his release.
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According to him, the soldiers secured the release of Dr. Andrew Uwanta in the thick bush where he was kept on Tuesday evening and handed him over to the local government chairman, Hon. Umoh in Uyo.
‘‘As at the time of this report, it cannot be ascertained whether there was any casualty on the part of kidnappers.
‘‘However, Dr. Uwanta is safe and sound, and has been reunited with his family members,’’ he penned.
In an interview with Straightnews on Wednesday, the outgoing State Police/Public Relations Officer, CSP Odiko MacDon, confirmed the release of Elder/Deaconess Nyaknobong Etuk.
MacDon said ‘‘It is true that the Director of Finance of Nsit Aatai Local Government Council had been released. The wife was first released. They have been reunited with their family.’’
A source that did not want his name in print confided in Straightnews that the kidnappers collected N30 million ransom.
‘‘When the kidnappers collected N20 million, they released Etuk’s wife and detained the husband. The husband was released when additional N10 million was paid.
‘‘However, the man has not resumed duty. He has been hospitalised due to wounds inflicted on the man by his abductors,’’ he hinted.
Recall that Etuk, an Elder in The Apostolic Church and his wife, a deaconess were said to have left their twins with a house help for shopping along Oron Road in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State on Sunday, March 17.
On return, Elder Etuk parked and honed for minutes, yet nobody quickly opened the gate for the couple.
Not long, a mini-bus with suspected gunmen landed at the gate of his house located at Akpasak Estate, Mbiabong off Oron Road, Uyo, ordered them out of their car and whisked them away to an unknown destination.
