By Dennis Udoma, Uyo
Gunmen have abducted a retired Principal, Akparawa Ezekiel Paul in Ikot Abasi Akpan in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State demanding N20 million.
He was seized in his compound near the Community Civic Center on Sunday by 7 : 00 AM, while preparing to go for Mass at St. Pius X Parish.
Sources, who spoke to NewsDirect under anonymity said, the hoodlums waylaid their victim after laying ambush in the compound waiting for their prey to come out of the house on the day of the incident.
According to them, “Akparawa Ezekiel Paul was kidnapped on Sunday around 7:00 AM, when he came out of his house in the morning.
“He was doing some domestic chores preparatory to going for Mass at his Parish, St. Pius X Parish, when these boys who waited around the compound without his knowing swoop on him.
“He was blind-folded and dragged to where they parked their motorcycle on the road by about five persons, as the victim was shouting for help.
“The motorcycle was ridden by one ‘Taller’ accompanied by two others who escorted the victim to an unknown destination.
“The victim’s wife, Mrs. Mary Ezekiel on hearing the dragging outside, and noticing the action in the compound raised an alarm for help.
“It was the alarm that attracted the neighbourhood to come out but before then, the victim was already whisked off by his captors in a motor-bike.”
Meanwhile, some members of the criminal gang have been arrested, one of them is a “popular” bad influence in the area nicknamed “Taller.”
Ikot Abasi Akpan, located along Etinan-Ekparakwa Road, is one of the communities cultists and kidnapping have continued to thrive in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State with youth population continuously displaying bravado in social vices for over three years now.
Due to their activities, small scale businesses have closed shops for fear of being attack, thereby prompting residents to appeal for a Police post to checkmate the activities of criminals and other vices along Etinan-Ekparakwa Road as well as adjoining communities like; Ekpuk, Ikot Ekpaw, Nya-Odiong, Ikot Essen, Ikot Ekpaw, Ikot Abia Enin and Ikot Obio Nso amongst others.
The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, ASP Timfon John, when contacted on the matter said, the police were aware and were working to rescue the victim.
According to her, “The police are aware and strategic efforts are still ongoing.”