By Ushang Ewa
Friends, associates and relatives of victims of abduction in Cross River State are now raising funds to pay ransoms for those kidnapped especially in Calabar, the State capital.
The State has witnessed a huge surge in kidnappings with a Police source saying no fewer than 22 people have been abducted in about a fortnight.
At Lemna, at Calabar Municipal, no fewer than six persons have been kidnapped in the past week with one Marcellinus Ati, a native of Ohong in Obudu Local Government Area abducted at about 9:00PM.
A procurement officer in the Cross River State ministry of power, Emmanuel Ashibel was kidnapped last week.
A staff of the Department of Due Process and Price Intelligence, Emmanuel Achiba, also from northern Cross River was kidnapped earlier this week.
One Professor Etukudo, formerly of the University of Cross River State was kidnapped at 10:30pm at his residence at federal housing estate in Calabar on Wednesday, October 20, 2021.
The kidnappers took the Professor away in his Black Toyota 4Runner with license number EKY258FA.
As at the time of his kidnap, six other persons had been abducted within five days. Four were abducted at Satellite Town while two were abducted at 8 miles.
And, friends are now donating monies to pay for their ransom.
“Distinguished colleagues, it is no longer news that one of us, the procurement officer (in the) Ministry of Power Mr. Emmanuel Ashibel was abducted a couple of days ago at his residence. Sad as this news may sound, it is a reality,” read an appeal document, adding that: “Very consistent efforts have been on since his abduction to secure his release. Comrade Emmanuel’s family is utterly devastated by this ugly event.”
The statement added; “It is in the light of the above, that we most humbly and solemnly appeal to all procurement officers across the State to rally support for his family to enhance his release.”
“While we understand the hardships currently on the land, let posterity count us amongst those who fought for Emma’s release,” the statement read.
This, CrossRiverWatch learnt is an example of what has been going on for weeks.