Gunmen have kidnapped a former Permanent Secretary, Sir Ignatius Brown, at his home in Abak Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
It was gathered that Brown, Chairman of Saint John’s Catholic Church Council, Abak, was kidnapped some few metres from his home on Monday on his way home after the church meeting.
An eyewitness, who identified himself as Mr. Aniefiok Marcus, told journalists in Uyo on Tuesday that the hoodlums trailed the retired permanent secretary from the church along Abak-Ikot Ekpene road and overtook his driver.
Marcus said the PS, an indigene of Etinan Local Government Area, had lived in Abak for many years.
He said, “They (the hoodlums) trailed him from the Saint John’s Catholic Cathedral along Abak-Ikot Ekpene road, and overpowered the driver close to the house on Udokpo Street, after shooting sporadically to scare away other vehicles and commuters on the road.
“When they (the kidnappers) succeeded in halting the Toyota RAV4 SUV of Sir Brown, they bundled the driver out, hijacked the vehicle and sped away with him lying down on the floor,” he stated.
He added that the car was later recovered where it was abandoned along the Abak-Ekparakwa road, after the kidnappers had disappeared with the victim to an unknown destination.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon, confirmed the incident, saying one suspect had been arrested and helping the command to track down other gang members.
“We have received that report already and as we speak, preliminary investigation is ongoing. The Commissioner of Police, Olatoye Durusinmi, has detailed the Officer-in-Charge of kidnapping and other tactical teams to ensure that the victim is successfully rescued and reunited with his family.
“Based on the CP’s instructions, a lot had already been done. We have one person in our custody who is helping us with the necessary information, and I believe that the kidnapped victim will soon regain his freedom,” he said.
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