Cross River Water Resources commissioner kidnapped

In defiance of death penalty recently announced by the state government, unknown gunmen yesterday abducted the Cross River State Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr. Gabriel Odu-Oji.

This latest incident occurred at Mayne Avenue Street, Calabar South just as Governor Ben Ayade on Friday directed the relocation of anti-crime outfit, “Operation Skolombo” headquarters to Calabar South.

An eyewitness report said the kidnappers, numbering about four stormed the restaurant Oji had gone to eat as usual and forced him into their car and zoomed off.

The eyewitness report further said: “Some of us had to run out of the restaurant into a nearby bush for fear of the unknown, as they were brandishing guns.”

He added: “Five of them, masked entered the restaurant having arrived in a blue Audi vehicle at about 12 (noon) and dragged him into his own vehicle, a Prado jeep and drove away towards Calabar south area, leaving their Audi car behind.

Following the incident, there was a heavy presence of soldiers at strategic points and roundabout in Calabar metropolis, searching all vehicles.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Irene Ugbo, who confirmed the incident said: “We are working hard to get the commissioner released in collaboration with other security agents are checking all entry and exit points into and out of the city to get the kidnappers.”

As at press time the kidnappers had not gotten in touch with the family of Oji and the police confirmed same.

A month ago, businessman, Akabong Enebong was abducted as he was jogging. Same month, cult boys had held the town of Calabar to ransom with warring rival groups killing 15, which disrupted business activities, especially in Calabar South.