By Patrick Obia
The Cross River State Command of the Nigerian Police Force has confirmed the kidnapping of retired colleague, Supol Iwara Okoi by unknown gunmen.
Supol Iwara was kidnapped by heavily armed men at his Supermarket in Ntankpo, opposite Cross River State Institute of Technology and Management, Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area of the State on Sunday 30th April 2023.
Confirming the incident to CrossRiverWatch, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the State, SP Irene Ugbo said the Command is aware and suspects are already in their custody for further interrogations while investigations are ongoing.
Sources said the kidnappers came with a Siena and four motorcycles, shot sporadically, and told everyone in the premises to lie down with their heads facing the floor.
Supol Iwara was said to have asked the kidnappers what they wanted and they replied saying “we want you” but Iwara begged them not to hurt anyone in the supermarket.
About a year ago in Ugep, one time Chairman of Yakurr LGA, Hon. Ubi Itam Ettah (Bomboy) was kidnapped in his business place and unconfirmed reports have it that he paid a ransom of 100 million Naira to be released.
A source told CrossRiverWatch that the police have detained Iwara’s cousin, Ugobo as a suspect.
Iwara and Ugobo are said to be at loggerheads over a piece of land and a house, and they had a verbal fight about 10 hours before Iwara was kidnapped, making Ugobo on the suspect list.
Further confirming the abduction, the Youth Leader of Ntankpo Community, Bassey Ubi the said gunmen came in their numbers and whisked away the Ex-police officer to unknown destination.
He said the village chiefs have assembled for an emergency meeting for the next action.