The Akwa Ibom State Police Command neutralized three suspected kidnappers and rescued a prominent lawyer, Emmanuel Ubengama, and his niece, who were abducted on Wednesday evening, December 4.
Ubengama, a director at the Ministry of Justice in Abak Local Government Area, and his niece were ambushed by the hoodlums along the Abak – Ikot Abasi road while returning from dropping off the children at school.
The police went into action immediately after the matter was reported to the Abak Division, with the Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, deploying tactical operatives to comb the area on Friday.
The rescue efforts led the operatives to Ikot Ukpong village, the kidnappers’ hideout in Afahaobong area of Abak LGA. The three suspects were killed, while others fled the scene.
After the shootout, the operatives stormed the hideout and found the victims tied down inside a purpose-built soakaway facility.
They were rescued and reunited with their family.
The command spokesperson, SP Timfon John, confirmed that efforts are underway to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects, who will face prosecution. The CP, Eribo, has made it clear that he has zero tolerance for crimes, especially with the yuletide season approaching.
SP Timfon John warned criminal elements that they will not be tolerated in Akwa Ibom and appealed to members of the civil society to collaborate with security agencies in sharing intelligence to prevent crimes.
