Ini Billie, Uyo
Parents of a four-month-old baby kidnapped at gunpoint, Mr and Mrs Udeme Eyo have cried out to security agencies to intervene in the recovery of their child.
It was gathered that at about 3 am Saturday, two men badged into the family house of the couple near the PCN Primary School, East Itam, in Enen-Atai village, Itu Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, and demanded for their son.
Recounting how his son was kidnapped, Eyo said the family was startled by a loud bang on the door when two hefty men stormed their bedroom with guns and machetes and demanded their baby.
“I was half asleep when I heard the bang on the door, I jumped out of my bed but the door was pulled to the ground with force. Two strange men entered and demanded my son, as a man I tried to stop them, they brought out guns and machetes, and I shrugged.
“They seized the child from my wife who was screaming, kicked her aside and made away with the baby. When I rushed out to raise the alarm to alert my neighbours, I saw them zoom off in a car that was parked about a pole away.
“As I speak, my wife is completely traumatized. We lost our first child at about the same age and now that she was being consoled by the new baby boy, this has happened. I’m completely confused,” he lamented.
Village Head of the community, Prof. Efanga Usua said he was afraid and disappointed at the incident, saying it was a strange occurrence in the area until when a mentally deranged woman was recently dispossessed of her baby by unknown motorcycle riders.
Speaking on the incidence, Usua stated that he would call a meeting of the East Itam Northern Traditional Rulers to find a lasting solution to the frightening incident before it escalates.
He said the police are aware of the case as an investigation is ongoing to unravel the mystery behind the abducted child.
Divisional Police Officer of Itu who refused to be quoted or named because he was not authorised to speak on the matter said an investigation of the matter is ongoing, adding that such occurrence was strange as Itu is a calm place.
Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Timfon John said the police were aware of the kidnap and investigations are ongoing to unravel the mystery surrounding the kidnap.
“We are aware of it and the police are on it. Investigation is ongoing, and we are doing everything to ensure the suspects are brought to book.
“We learnt people with masks on their faces, that cannot be identified even if seen, came and carried the child.
“From the information, the father of the child is a tailor. As we get more information, we will let you know,” the PPRO said.