Gunmen kidnap councillor, third abduction in in Akwa Ibom in 3 weeks

Abiodun OBA

Councillor representing Ward 6 Central in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom, Mr Samuel Ben has been kidnapped by gunmen.

Police through its Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko Macdon, confirmed the incident on Tuesday. 

Macdon said the victim was kidnapped at his fuel station premises on Saturday, Sept. 25 at about 8 p.m.

He described the incident as “very unfortunate and unacceptable’’, saying that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Andrew Amiengheme, has ordered an investigation into the incident.

“Yes, we have received a preliminary report about the incident and we are working on it.

“As I speak, a discreet investigation is ongoing, so I cannot deny the fact that we have that information at hand.

“A lot is being done already and in no distance time, I think he will be freed.

“I don’t want to prompt the outcome of the investigation and efforts made by the police to ensure the victim is freed,’’ Macdon said.

Macdon added that the police would ensure that the perpetrators were brought to book.

A family source who requested anonymity said the councillor was kidnapped when he was taking stock of business at his fuel station.

“The wife and the councillor came to take stock of the account and to take some money home when the incident happened,’’ he said.

The source said the councillor took money to his car, while the wife was locking the office door.

“As this was happening, the gunmen entered the fuel station and abducted the councillor,’’ the family source said.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 6, Usman Gonna had on Sept 17, ordered the police in Akwa Ibom to investigate the abduction of two prominent sons of the state.

Two prominent sons of the state still in the custody of the abductors Sen. Nelson Effiong and Dr Nsidibe Umana, were kidnapped in Akwa Ibom on Sept. 5 and Sept. 7 respectively.