The Akwa-Ibom state command of the Nigeria Police force have announced the rescue of an employee of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC as well as 8 others from the den of kidnappers in the state.
Mr. Otobong Ukpong, an INEC staff who was kidnapped on June 5 on his way to work was rescued alongside a minor and seven others on Saturday.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, revealed the rescue in Uyo on Saturday. He said the police had carried out a joint operation with other security agencies and invaded the hideout of hoodlums terrorising Etim Ekpo and Ukanafun local government areas.
The operation which was successful led to the rescue of the 9 kidnap victims by men of the Nigeria police.
According to the police commissioner,
“Today, I am delighted to inform you that at about 12 p.m. my men of Operation Purge saddled with responsibility of flushing out the hoodlums terrorising Etim Ekpo and Ukanafun LGAs achieved a great breakthrough.
They rescued nine kidnapped victims one of whom is the staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr Otobong Sylvester Ukpong, 34 years old, from Iwukem in Etim Ekpo kidnapped on June 5, 2018,”
The police commissioner further identified other victims rescued as, “Eno Udo ‘M’ 50 years, Eno Okon ‘F’ 37 years, Uduak Fred ‘F’ 45 years, Charity Peter’F’ 54 years.
Others are Bessy Okpon ‘F’ 55 years, Esther Okpon ‘F’ 35 years, Victoria Udo ‘F’ 50 years and Imaobong ‘F’ 14 years.”
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The commissioner revealed that the operation led to the death of a Nigeria police officer Sgt. Shedrach Stephen while an additional victim was rescued but still in a coma; her identity remains unknown.
The Nigeria Police recovered several items from the kidnappers including, bullet proof vests, police and military uniforms, live ammunition, cartridges as well as charms.
The state commissioner of police used the opportunity to restate the commitment of the police force to sustain the tempo in crime fighting and protection of lives and property in Akwa-Ibom.
“Let me again assure the good people of Etim Ekpo and Ukanafun LGAs of our commitment to restore peace and security to their communities and every other community in Akwa Ibom,” he said.
He further commended the government and people of Akwa-Ibom for their support to the Nigeria police and other security agencies toward reducing crime to the barest minimum in the state.
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