.Police confirm kidnap of passengers in Cross River
Gunmen, who kidnapped Safiyanu Isa, the Chairman of Akwanga Local Council in Nasarawa State, have demanded a N50 million ransom.
Confirming the incident, Special Adviser to the Nasarawa State Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Haruna Kassimu, said Isa was abducted at about 8:30 p.m. on New Year day, alongside one Adamu Custom, at Ningo village, on the Akwanga-Andaha road.
He said security agencies responded swiftly by chasing after the gunmen, who forcefully fled with the council chairman to an unknown destination.
Adamu Custom is the Senior Special Adviser to the State Governor on Local Government affairs.
Spokesperson for the State Police Command, DSP Ramhan Nansel, also confirmed the incident.
He said the police in collaboration with other security agencies were on the trail of the kidnappers to ensure the release of both men.
A close family source said the abductors were demanding payment of N50 million ransom before the council boss could be released.
The source, who pleaded anonymity, lamented the spate of kidnappings in the state in recent times, stressing that residents are in constant fear, even as security agents continue to battle the hoodlums.
Meanwhile, the police in Cross River State have confirmed the abduction of some passengers around Nde 3 Corners, Akparabong Junction, in Ikom Local Council of the state.
The passengers, who were on transit, were said to have been ambushed by gunmen who shot at their vehicles, injuring three persons while an unspecified number of others were taken away.
Confirming the development, spokesperson for the command, SP Irene Ugbo, declined to give details of the attack.
Ugbo said efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the abducted and ensure there is no repeat of the incident in the area.
A resident of the area, James Ese, said the injured persons were rushed to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention.
He said Akparabong Junction had become a nightmare for motorists and commuters in the last three weeks.
While alleging herdsmen were responsible for the near-daily attacks on the road, he urged security agencies to awaken to their responsibilities.
He said: “We want the police to rise up to the challenge and end this menace to passengers in the last three weeks.
“This particular area has become a bloodbath spot, owing to kidnappings, with over four deaths, including a baby.”
