Gunmen kidnap retired school principal in Akwa Ibom, demand N20m ransom

Gunmen who abducted a retired principal, Akparawa Ezekiel Paul, in Ikot Abasi Akpan in Mkpat Enin local government area of Akwa Ibom State have demanded N20m ransom.

It was gathered that the victim was abducted in his compound near the Community Civic Centre by 7am on Sunday, June 9, 2024 while preparing for morning Mass at St. Pius X Parish. 

Sources told journalists that the hoodlums waylaid their victim after laying ambush in the compound waiting for him to come out of the house.

“Akparawa Ezekiel Paul was kidnapped on Sunday around 7 : 00 am , when he came out of his house in the morning. He was doing some domestic chores preparatory for Mass at his Parish, St. Pius X Parish, when these boys who waited around the compound unknowingly swooped on him,” the source said. 

Another eyewitness who also pleaded anonymity said the victim was blindfolded and dragged to a waiting motorcycle with five other gang members. 

“The motorcycle rider was one “Taller ” accompanied by two others who took the victim to an unknown destination,” he said, adding that the wife of the victim raised an alarm which attracted neighbors to the scene but the abductors fled. 

Spokesperson of the State Police Command, ASP Timfon John, who confirmed the incident said strategic action has been taken to rescue the victim.

“The police is aware and strategic effort to rescue the victim is still ongoing,” she added.