By Joy Yesufu
In a disturbing incident, gunmen abducted Samuel Ekerenam, the owner of Hephzibah Mall in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, on Saturday night.
Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants stormed the shopping complex around 10:00 PM, firing sporadically to intimidate onlookers.
In the chaos, Ekerenam’s driver was tragically killed, and a police officer assigned to him sustained serious injuries.
Udobong Asuquo, a witness to the event, recounted, “The incident claimed the life of the driver, while the police officer attached to the kidnapped businessman was injured.”
At the moment, the family remains in the dark regarding the motives behind the abduction. A relative, wishing to remain anonymous, stated, “We are yet to ascertain whether the kidnappers are seeking ransom or have other intentions, as they have not contacted the family.”
ASP Timfon John, the Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the incident. He stated, “The Commissioner of Police (CP), Joseph Eribo, has zero tolerance for crime and has deployed tactical operatives to search for the abducted businessman.”
John assured the public that efforts are underway to ensure Ekerenam’s safe return and that those responsible will face the full force of the law.
