Insecurity Worsens In Akwa Ibom: Human Rights Activist, Businessman kidnapped

Governor Godswill Akpabio

The insecurity in Akwa Ibom State worsened in the past few days as a legal practitioner and human rights activist, Barr. Udo George, was kidnapped at gunpoint in his Ofot Ukwa chambers in Uyo, the state capital.

It happened one day after a businessman was also kidnapped by gunmen in the area.

George is an outspoken activist who has resisted efforts by the Governor Akpabio-led government to impose a candidate on the vacant traditional chieftaincy stool of Oku Ibom 3.  It was left vacant when the Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ibom LGA, Chief James Obot was assassinated in his Palace a few weeks ago by yet to be apprehended gunmen.

An eye witness told Naija News Desk that a four-man gang arrived at Mr. George’s chambers in Uyo in a black Sports Utility Vehicle at about 6.00pm on Tuesday, abducted their victim and sped off.

It was gathered from the lawyer’s family that his abductors are yet to establish contact with them, and that his is unreachable by his mobile phone.

Naija News Desk sources in the Akwa Ibom Police Command confirmed that a businessman was kidnapped on Monday in Uyo, bringing the number of such incidents to two within two days.

“Which one are you talking about?” asked one source of Naija News Desk Reporter on the telephone.  “There was a businessman who was picked on Monday and yesterday, a lawyer was reportedly kidnapped by unknown men.”

The Akwa Ibom Police command which has been overwhelmed by the frequent kidnap cases in the state has no clues as to the whereabouts of either the lawyer or the businessman.  The kidnappings are the general talk in Uyo.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 6 Calabar, Mr. Muhammad Abubakar, who visited the state recently, promised to reduce the crime rate in the area.  There are as yet no signs of that promise being fulfilled.
         
Kidnappings and political killings have become the order of the day in Akwa Ibom, heightening insecurity in the oil-rich state which paradoxically ranks among states with the highest poverty rates. Even indigenes that are outside the state are now afraid to go there to see relatives or conduct business.