Cross River traditional ruler kidnapped by gunmen

By Hannah Nathan, Warri

Etiyin Maurice Edet, the traditional ruler of Cross River’s Akpabuyo Local Government Area, was kidnapped by gunmen on Sunday night from his home in the council area.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), during the kidnapping, the traditional ruler’s assistant was shot and killed.

SP Irene Ugbo, the state Police Command spokesperson, verified the event but stated that she was unsure of the specifics at the time of publication.

However, according to a source, the traditional ruler’s assistant was slain while attempting to stop his principal from being kidnapped.

The state’s capital, Calabar, is located fewer than 15 kilometres from Akpabuyo, a place well-known for its criminal activity.

After being held captive for 26 days, Professor Patrick Egaga of the University of Calabar, Unical, was freed by his captors.

Director of SERVICOM for Unical, Egaga, was kidnapped at the staff quarters of the organization, and his captors then demanded an N50 million ransom.

According to NAN, there has been a rise in kidnapping incidents in Calabar and the surrounding areas in recent months.

High-profile people such as speakers, attorneys, doctors, and clergy are frequently the targets of abductions.