Abductors are requesting a ransom of N20 million for the release of Ezekiel Paul, a retired school principal who was abducted from his home in Ikot Abasi Akpan, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State on Sunday.
Witnesses reported that Paul was taken around 7 am near the Community Civic Centre as he was preparing to attend Mass at St. Pius’ Church Parish.
The kidnappers, described as five men on motorcycles, blindfolded him and forcibly took him away, prompting his wife, Mrs. Mary Ezekiel, to raise the alarm.
“The police are aware and strategic efforts are ongoing” towards rescuing the victim, confirmed Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Command, ASP Timfon John.
A source narrated how the incident happened: “Akparawa Ezekiel Paul was kidnapped on Sunday around 7:00 am when he came out of his house in the morning. He was doing some domestic chores preparatory to going for Mass at his Parish, St. Pius X when these boys who waited around the compound without his knowing swooped on him.
He was blind-folded and dragged to where they parked their motorcycles on the road by about five persons, as the victim was shouting for help while they whisked him to unknown destination on one of the bikes.”
The victim’s wife, Mrs. Mary Ezekiel, who witnessed the abduction, said: “I was in the house when I heard my husband shouting for help. I came out and saw them dragging him away. I raised the alarm, but they were too fast.”
Leave a Reply