Police launch manhunt for kidnappers of Akwa Ibom monarch

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, on Sunday, confirmed the kidnap of the paramount ruler of Mbo local government area of the State, His Royal Majesty, Owong Okon Abang, in his palace at the riverside community of Ebughu.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Timfon John, said the State’s Police Commissioner, CP Waheed Ayilara, and the Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, Gen. Koko Essien (rtd), have moved into the area with Police and operatives from other sister security agencies with a view to rescuing the monarch unharmed and apprehending the suspects.

It was gathered gunmen stormed the victim’s palace at about 9pm on Saturday, and whisked the traditional ruler away to the Ibaka beach, where they trans-loaded him into a waiting speed boat that speedily took him into the shrubs on the high sea of the Gulf of Guinea.

Due to incessant kidnapping cases within the coastal areas of Oron, fear has gripped the local residents, as such security breaches could scare away dealers in marine resources like fish, crayfish and other sea edibles from Oron and the adjoining LGA of Mbo in the State.

The state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), it could be recalled, had directed its members to embark on industrial action, which has grounded both public and private hospitals in the State over the kidnap of one Dr. Esu in Oron about three weeks ago.

Last week, the wife of Chief Asukwo Eweme, Ulap Okon, a.k.a Levile, a prominent political figure, was also abducted in Oron, raising concerns for public safety in the riverine LGAs of the State.