Councillor kidnapped in Akwa Ibom, the third abduction in three weeks

Police have confirmed the kidnap of Mr Samuel Ben, the councillor representing Ward 6 Central in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko Macdon, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria in Eket.

He said that the victim was kidnapped at his fuel station premises on Saturday, September 25 at about 8 p.m. Macdon described the incident as “very unfortunate and unacceptable’’, saying that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Andrew Amiengheme, has ordered an investigation into the incident.

“Yes, we have received a preliminary report about the incident and we are working on it. As I speak, a discreet investigation is ongoing, so I cannot deny the fact that we have that information at hand. A lot is being done already and in no distance time, I think he will be freed.”

Also speaking, a family source who requested anonymity said the councillor was kidnapped when he was taking stock of business at his fuel station.

“The wife and the councillor came to take stock of the account and to take some money home when the incident happened,’’ he said.

The source said the councillor took money to his car, while the wife was locking the office door.

“As this was happening, the gunmen entered the fuel station and abducted the councillor,’’ the family source said.

The NAN reports that the Assistant Inspector –General of Police, Zone 6, Usman Gonna on Sept 17, ordered the police in Akwa Ibom to investigate the abduction of two prominent sons of the state. The prominent sons of the state who are still in the custody of the abductors are Sen. Nelson Effiong and Dr Nsidibe Umana. Both were kidnapped in Akwa Ibom on Sept. 5 and Sept. 7 respectively.

(NAN)