Gunmen abduct Akwa Ibom businessman, kill driver, injure police orderly

Unknown gunmen have kidnapped a prominent businessman, Samuel Ekerenam, owner of Hephzibah Mall, in Eket LGA of Akwa Ibom State.

It was gathered that the hoodlums arrived the victim’s shopping complex and started shooting sporadically to scare people away.

A witness to the incident, Udobong Asuquo, narrated that the man’s driver was killed in the process while the police officer attached to him was severely injured.

The eyewitness said, “The incident occurred at about 10:00 pm on Saturday, claimed the life of the driver, while the Police officer attached to the kidnapped proprietor of the Mall was injured.”

Meanwhile, a family source, who pleaded anonymity, said the abductors were yet to contact the family.

He said, “We are yet to ascertain the motive of the kidnappers whether the man was seized for ransom or other motive because they are yet to contact the family.”

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Timfon John, who confirmed the incident, said, “The Commissioner of Police (CP), Joseph Eribo, has zero tolerance for crimes, and had since deployed tactical operatives to comb for the abducted businessman.”

The spokesperson assured that the victim will be rescued unharmed and the perpetrators made to face the full weight of the law.