Abducted former school principal in Akwa Ibom regains freedom

Dennis Udoma, Uyo

Former Secondary School Principal who was kidnapped in Akwa Ibom last week, Akparawa Ezekiel Paul has regained freedom.

He was freed in the early hours of today (Saturday) by his abductors who earlier demanded for N20 million as ransom.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Akwa Ibom State Police Command, ASP Timfon John confirm this to our Reporter in Uyo on Saturday morning.

She said, the man was freed unhurt and since been united with his family.

According to the PPRO, “the man has regained his freedom unhurt and has been reunited with his family”.

Although, it was not confirmed if any ransom has been paid, prior to his release, his abductors were still communicating with the family for N20 million and later reduced their demand to N5 million.

His senior brother, who is also an Arch – Bishop in the African Church Nigeria, Augustine Paul Akpan made this known his shortly after he was released.

“Akparawa Ezekiel was released early this morning by the kidnappers. We will be taking him to the hospital for rest and treatment.

” We thank the police for their efforts and all those who have prayed with us throughout the difficult period for his safe release”, he said.

Akparawa Ezekiel, it would be recalled, was abducted in his compound at Ikot Abasi Akpan in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area last Sunday by 7:00 AM, while preparing for Mass at St. Pius X Parish.

Sources, who spoke to journalists said, he was ambushed in his compound and taken away in a motor – bike by his assailants, who numbered up to 7 gang members.

Meanwhile, sources said the police have arrested the king pin; nicknamed, “Taller” and some members of his killer gang who has been terrorizing the area for years now; killing, maiming and kidnapping the villagers for ransom.

The squad, it was learned, has cells in Ikot Abasi Akpan, Ikot Obio Nso, Ndon Eyo and Ndon Utim, some of these villages located on Ekparakwa – Etinan highway.

Owing to the bad influences orchestrated by this terror group, cultistism and kidnapping continue to thrive in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State making youth population to continuously display their bravado in social vices.