Gunmen abduct former principal, Ezekiel Paul from home

Ini Billie, Uyo

Kidnappers have abducted a former principal, Akparawa Ezekiel Paul, from his home in Ikot Abasi Akpan, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.

It was gathered that the kidnappers who are demanding a ransom of N20 million for the freedom of the retired principal, abducted their victim on Sunday morning from his compound while he was preparing to go for mass at St. Pius X Parish.

Sources who preferred to remain unnamed said the kidnappers laid an ambush for their victim, swooped in on him when he stepped out of his compound and whisked him away on a motorbike.

“Akparawa Ezekiel Paul was kidnapped on Sunday around 7 am when he came out of his house in the morning.

“He was doing some domestic chores preparatory to going for Mass at his Parish, St. Pius X Parish when these boys who waited around the compound without his knowing swoop on him.

“He was blindfolded and dragged to where they parked their motorcycle on the road by about five persons, as the victim was shouting for help.

“The motorcycle was ridden by one ‘taller’ accompanied by two others who escorted the victim to an unknown destination.

“On hearing the dragging outside, and noticing the action in the compound, the victim’s wife, Mrs Mary Ezekiel, raised an alarm for help.

“It was the alarm that attracted the neighbourhood to come out but before then, the victim was already whisked off by his captors in a motorbike,” the source stated.

Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Timfon John, said the police were aware and working to rescue the victim.

“The police are aware and strategic efforts are still ongoing,” she said.

Meanwhile, it was learnt that some members of the kidnap gang have been arrested, just as the community has remained a beehive for criminality, especially cultism. It was gathered that the activities of criminals in the locality have crippled small and medium-scale businesses for fear of attack, prompting residents to appeal for the citing of a police post in the locality.