RETIRED A'IBOM PERMANENT SECRETARY KIDNAPPED

By Abasiofiok Inyang

The recent kidnap activities taking place in Akwa Ibom State has taken a frightening dimension following the kidnapped of a retired Permanent Secretary in the State, one Mr Ignatius Brown.

Our correspondent gathered that Brown was kidnapped on Sunday in his Abak resident shortly after he returned from church service. He worships at St John's Pro-Cathedral, Abak and was returning from church service when the men of the underworld swooped on him as he was about entering his compound, located behind Abak Township Stadium.

Brown who was a Permanent Secretary during former Governor Godswill Akpabio administration , is said to hails from Etinan Local Government Area but has been a long time resident of Abak.

It was further gathered that the victim has lived a very quiet life after he retired from service and he is said not to be involved in politics.

A family source told our correspondent that the three kidnapped gang trailed the victim from the church to his house and blocked him when he was about entering his compound. The sons of the devil was said to have fired several gunshots to scare away other residents of the area and then whisked him away to an unknown destination. They are yet to contact the family.

Residents of the area who spoke with our correspondent under strict anonymity, expressed fear of the resurgence activities of kidnappers and called for quick intervention by government and security agents.

It would be recalled that kidnap for ransom has gain grounds in recent times in Abak, Etim Ekpo, Oruk Anam, Mkpat Enin and other parts of the State. Two months ago, a principal of Madonna Secondary School, Oruk Anam Local Government Area was kidnapped by gunmen and was released after payment of ransom. A radio evangelist and founder of Solid Rock Kingdom Church, Pastor John Ekoriko was kidnapped in church premises, in Mkpat Enin. Two Igbo business men were also kidnapped in Abak and released after payment of ransom.

When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko MacDon said he was yet to get report on the kidnap case and promised to communicate same. However, a senior police officer in Abak Division who preferred anonymity, confirmed the kidnapped incident and said that the the Division is working round the clock to get the kidnappers and the victim released unhurt.