Akwa Ibom: Police rescue two victims abducted during land dispute

By Isaac Job, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has reportedly rescued two victims who were abducted in the course of harvesting palm fruits from a disputed land in the Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of the state.

A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Akwa Ibom, DSP Timfon John, and made available to journalists in Uyo, stated that the victims were rescued through intelligence reports that two persons were held captive by neighbouring villagers when they attempted to harvest palm fruits on disputed land.

The statement reads in part:

“On the 15th of April, 2026, at about 8:19 PM, credible intelligence revealed that some individuals from Edem Idim Okpot Village attacked indigenes of Odoro Atasung Village who had gone to harvest palm fruits in a swampy area reportedly under dispute.

“During the attack, two persons, one Mr. Sunday, aged 68, and one Mr. Samuel, aged 41, were abducted and taken to an unknown destination.”

John said the abductors fled the scene and abandoned their captives when they sighted police officers.

“Acting promptly on the information, Operatives of the Command stormed the suspected hideout of the abductors in the early hours of April 16, 2026, at about 6:10 AM.

“On sighting the Police, the suspects fled the scene, abandoning their captives.”

John explained that the victims were rescued unhurt and have been reunited with their families.

She said during the operation, one locally made gun was recovered while the suspects escaped.

“During the operation, one locally made short gun and a live cartridge were recovered from the scene.

“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.”

The Police Spokesperson disclosed that during the investigation, it was discovered that the incident was linked to a long-standing dispute over the ownership of the palm fruit plantation now pending before a Customary Court in Ikot Ubo Village.

However, she said the parties have been invited to prevent a further breakdown of law and order in the affected communities.

“The Police have invited the leadership of both communities for a peace meeting aimed at fostering dialogue and resolving the conflict amicably.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, warned all parties involved to refrain from taking law into their own hands and to allow due legal processes to take their course.

“The Command reiterates its commitment to maintaining peace and security across the State and assures residents that decisive action will be taken against anyone found culpable.”