By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested four kidnappers in military uniform and rescued two kidnapped victims in Uyo.
In a statement released on Sunday, May 26, 2024, by the spokesperson of the command, ASP Timfon John, said the suspects were apprehended by operatives who swiftly responded to distressed calls.
The statement read: “The Command received distress calls giving notification of a kidnap incident at Utang Street by Gibbs Street, Uyo.
“The Command’s Anti-Robbery Squad (ARS) immediately swung into action and mobilised to the scene where four suspects namely; Abdulkarem Yusuf, Yusuf Waziri, Inbinabo Iboroma, and Abdulrahman Abbas, were arrested,”
John said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had earlier kidnapped one Abraham Ekpe at Ring Road 3, opposite Cemetery.
The PPRO disclosed that the gang members were arrested on the verge of kidnapping one Richie, who is a friend of Ekpe.
“They planned to take them to the Odukpani LGA in the neighbouring Cross River State. Further investigation also revealed that they had demanded a ransom of N5 million from their victim, but he could not pay, prompting them to also kidnap his friend.
“The victims were all rescued successfully and have been reunited with their families.”
“One red colour Honda Accord car with registration number BJ 615 ABC; one handcuff, one dagger and other items were recovered from the suspects.
The image maker added that the suspects will be charged in court upon completion of the investigation.
John said the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Waheed Ayilara, has vowed to rid the state of all criminal elements in his quest to make Akwa Ibom safe for visitors, tourists and investors.
The police boss also reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to making Akwa Ibom uninhabitable for criminals.
He, however , urged members of the public to report any suspicious characters around their neighbourhoods to the police