By Patrick Obia And Godwin Otang
Armed welding gunmen in the wee hours of Monday, December 11, 2023, kidnapped the Paramount Ruler of Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, HRH Etinyin Lawrence Edet Nya.
The Royal father who hails from Esuk Mba, a community viewed as one of the dens for men of the underworld, was whisked away from his abode.
The kidnappers who were armed to the teeth also shot the Paramount Ruler’s younger son who tried shutting the door to prevent them from gaining access to the house. Unfortunately, he was caught by the bullet due to the sporadic shooting at the door.
The reason for his abduction is not ascertained but a yet-to-be-verified report claims that the Paramount Ruler was assisting security agencies to clear criminal hideout.
The Cross River State Command of the Nigerian Police Force has confirmed the abduction.
The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Irene Ugbo assured that the force and other sister security agencies are working to secure his safe release. “The police are working to secure his release,” she said.
Recall that a traditional leader, Ndabo Aloysius in Idebe- Efut area of Akpabuyo months ago was trailed to Calabar and killed for allegedly giving information to security operatives.
Akpabuyo Paramount Ruler’s kidnapping is coming less than five days after the Clan Head of Belegete Community of Obanliku Local Government Area of the State, Chief Ogweshi Francis was kidnapped by suspected Ambazonian militants who sacked the community.
In another development, impeccable sources have confirmed to CrossRiverWatch that a Professor at the Department of Special Education, University of Calabar (UNICAL) who was kidnapped over 25 days ago, Professor Patrick Egaga, has been released.
Professor Patrick Egaga, who is the Director of SERVICOM, was abducted on the 12th of November, 2023 at his residence at the University of Calabar Staff Quarters around 8:pm, is said to have regained freedom a few days ago.
Although Police PPRO, SP Irene Ugbo, said she is yet to confirm the release but will do so and revert but did not at press times.
“I will get back to you, let me find out,” she said. Although sources from the University of Calabar also acknowledged the professor’s release but declined official comment on the issue.