Gunmen kidnap councillor in A’Ibom, the third abduction in 3 weeks

Police on Tuesday confirmed the kidnap of Mr Samuel Ben, councillor representing Ward 6 Central in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko Macdon, confirmed the incident to the Newsmen  in Eket.

He said the victim was kidnapped at his fuel station premises on Saturday, Sept. 25 at about 8p.m.

Macdon described the incident as “very unfortunate and unacceptable’’, saying that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Andrew Amiengheme, has ordered an investigation into the incident.

“Yes, we have received preliminary report about the incident and we are working on it.

“As I speak, a discreet investigation is on-going, so I cannot deny the fact that we have that information at hand.

“A lot is being done already and in no distance time, I think he will be freed.

“I don’t want to prompt the outcome of the investigation and efforts made by the police to ensure the victim are freed,’’ Macdon said.

Macdon added that the police would ensure that the perpetrators were brought to book.

Also speaking, a family source who requested anonymity said the councillor was kidnapped when he was taking stock of business at his fuel station.

“The wife and the councillor came to take stock of the account and to take some money home when the incident happened,’’ he said.

The source said the councillor took money to his car, while the wife was locking the office door.

“As this was happening, the gunmen entered the fuel station and abducted the councillor,’’ the family source said.

It was reported that the Assistant Inspector –General of Police, Zone 6, Usman Gonna on Sept 17, ordered the police in Akwa Ibom to investigate the abduction of two prominent sons of the state.

The prominent sons of the state who are still in custody of the abductors are Sen. Nelson Effiong and Dr Nsidibe Umana.

Both were kidnapped in Akwa Ibom on Sept. 5 and Sept. 7 respectively.