From Isaac Job, Uyo
Gunmen have abducted a retired principal, Akparawa Ezekiel Paul, from Ikot Abasi Akpan in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, and demanded N20 million.
Daily Sun gathered that the victim was abducted in his compound near the Community Civic Centre, last Sunday, by 7am, while preparing for morning Mass at St. Pius X Parish, located in the community.
Other sources, who pleaded anonymity, said the hoodlums waylaid their victim after laying ambush in the compound, waiting for him to come out of the house.
“Paul was kidnapped on Sunday, around 7am, when he came out of his house in the morning. He was doing some domestic chores, preparatory for Mass at his Parish, St. Pius X Parish, when the boys, who waited around the compound, unknowingly swooped on him.
Another witness, who also pleaded anonymity, said the victim was blindfolded and dragged to a waiting motorcycle, with five other gang members shouting for help before he was whisked away.
“The motorcycle rider was “taller”, accompanied by two others who took the victim to an unknown destination. He said the wife of the victim raised the alarm which attracted neighbours to the scene, but the abductors had fled.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Akwa Ibom State, ASP Timfon John, when contacted on the incident, said the command was aware and had taken strategic action to rescue the victim.
“The police are aware and a strategic effort to rescue the victim is still ongoing”, she said.