Despite the much-hyped claim that Akwa Ibom is the most peaceful state, suspected gunmen have continued to wreak mayhem on some communities as well as indulge in abduction spree of innocent persons for various ransoms.
This is as the whereabout of Rev. Father Alphonsus Uboh of St. Pius, the 10th Catholic Parish, Ikot Abasi Akpan in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State abducted by suspected gunmen is still unknown.
The Parish is located along Ekparakwa-Etinan Road.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the gunmen arrived at the church premises of Father Uboh at 7 p.m. in a motorcycle convoy on Sunday night, forced their way into the premises and whisked the priest away on their motorcycle. They were said to have shot sporadically into the air to scare away the people.
Read also: Gunmen demand N100m ransom to free abducted Nigerian Clergyman
The incident occurred barely two weeks after Apostle John Okoriko, the Founder and President of Solid Rock Kingdom Church, was kidnapped in his residence, Ibiakpan Akpa Nya in Mkpat Enin. He was later freed after spending four days in the kidnappers’ den and payment of undisclosed ransom.
Straightnews gathered that the gunmen had been laying siege on some communities in Oruk Anam and Mkpat Enin Local Government Areas of the state.
Daily Trust reported that from November 2021 to May 2022, 18 persons have been abducted for ransoms, while many have fled and other residents have been relocating their bedrooms to nearby bush in the night.
It was learnt that residents of the areas and other adjoining villages were being robbed daily while shop owners, civil servants and local businessmen were being kidnapped for ransom.
For instance, villages along Ekparakwa/Ikot Abasi Road in Oruk Anam Local Government Area, and Ikot Ebak, Ikot Akaam, Ibekwe Akpan Nya axis in Mkpat Local Government Area.
Confirming the kidnap of the priest, SP Odiko MacDon, the state Police Public Relations Officer, said they were working to curb the activities of gunmen in the area.
“We have received the report from that area and we are working on it,” he said.
