January 02, (THEWILL) – Facts have emerged on how kidnappers wreaked havoc on some passengers in Ikom Local government area of Cross River State.
The kidnappers reportedly abducted an unspecified number of passengers said to have been travelling for the New Year Celebration at Nde 3 Corners, Ikom.
The unfortunate incident happened about 3 pm Sunday, December 31, 2023.
It allegedly happened at the exact spot where the Chapter Chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC), in Ikom local government, Mr Mathew Egomo and Son, Dickson, were abducted earlier in December 2023.
Some sources, who preferred anonymity, said the kidnappers engaged the security agents in a gun battle at Nde 3- corners by Akparabong junction before driving off with the passengers.
Sources also disclosed that no life was lost during the gun duel, but some passersby were reportedly shot in the crossfire and the victims taken hostage and driven to an unknown destination.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Irene Ugbo, confirmed that there was an abduction of passengers, but did not confirm the number as investigations are afoot.
At least four abductions have taken place at the Nde three corners junction within the last 30 days and the area is becoming a haven for men of the underworld.
Meanwhile, the whereabouts of an Assemblies of God Pastor, Reverend Joel Okey, remains uncertain days after his abduction.
Reverend Okey was kidnapped at Nde 3 Corners Ikom local government area of Ikom, Cross River State, on December 29, 2023.
As the situation in Ikom becomes tense, a sociopolitical organisation based in Ikom, the Social Group has charged Gov Bassey Otu of the state to deploy a detachment of Operation Akpaku (armed police men) to the area.
The group said these security men will help tackle rising waves of kidnapping along Nde 3 Corners, Akparabong Junction at Ikom Katsina Ala Highway.
The group berated the state government for failing to rise up to the challenge to end kidnapping of innocent travellers along Nde 3 Corners axis.
About the Author
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
