Calabar River Kidnap: Ayade, Police Silent As 12 Remain In Captivity After One Week

By Ushang Ewa

Cross River Governor, Senator Ben Ayade and the Nigerian Police Force have remained mute one week after 17 persons were kidnapped along the Calabar channel on a boat ride to Oron in neighboring Akwa Ibom State.

As earlier reported, five persons have been released with the abductors demanding NGN3 million for each of the remaining victims totaling NGN36 million.

They have now spent a full week as hostages.

And, despite the situation, Mr. Ayade who returned from Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory on Thursday to meet with the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba in Calabar is yet to issue a statement on the matter.

This continues a trend since kidnapping activities increased in the State under his administration. There has been no condemnation of the act by him.

Also, the Police command has remained mute with Mr. Baba commending Mr. Ayade for the State’s “contribution to the security of the state in terms of crime control and I must say kudos to your government.”

The police chief who has been on a tour round the country, was received at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport by Ayade’s deputy, Professor Ivara Esu.

He announced the donation of 10 vehicles to the command.

Responding, the Governor described Mr. Baba as a visionary IGP who has brought innovations to policing. “I want to let President Buhari know that indeed the IG we have today has made the police proud, ” he said.

Continuing, Ayade said: “I have never seen where a police officer visits you and is bringing goods worth millions and millions of naira, cars, helmets, uniforms and others.

“This can only happen under a visionary leader like Usman Alkali. So we celebrate you because when you bring an academic into power, you will see class and excellence and that is what you have done. You have shown that truly, your education is being put to good use.

“It takes a man who has this level of exposure and integrity to come before a governor and come before a people and state and rather offer than of ask. It has never happened before”.