Suspected kidnappers of two founders of private secondary schools in Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom are cooling their feet in the police cell.
Mrs Victoria Imo Uko, proprietress of IBI Secondary School, Ikot Akpa Nkuk and Dr. Uwem Akpanuko, the proprietor of Gateway Standard Academy, Ikot Akpa Nkuk were the victims freed after alleged payment of various sums of ransom.
Parading the suspects at the state police headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia in Uyo, on Wednesday, Olatoye Durosinmi, Akwa Ibom Commissioner of Police, said ‘‘On 20th July 2023, at about 7:00 p.m, operatives of Ukanafun Division of the Command, relying on credible information stormed Ikot Akpa Nkuk in Ukanafun L.G A and arrested three (3) suspects, one Nanai Friday Ekpo (f) of Odaro Ikot Village in Ukanafun L.G.A, one Barika Samuel Nulee and Nwidum Alugbo Yaake, both of Khana L.G.A. of Rivers State.’’
According to him, ‘‘On interrogation, Nanai Friday confessed to be responsible for luring unsuspecting men to where her boyfriend, one Endurance Monday who is at large to kidnap and collect ransom for them to share.
‘‘The suspects confessed to the kidnapping of one Victoria Imo Uko and one Uwem Akpanuko, a Senior Lecturer, all of Ukanafun L.G A. Victims have been reunited with their families.’’
‘‘I wish to state that we remain committed to the provision of top-notch security in Akwa Ibom State. We call on residents to call 08039213071 or 08189243935 during emergencies.
”Let me thank the Government for the support, sister security agencies for the collaboration and the good people of Akwa Ibom State for their cooperation,’’ the Commissioner added.