By By: Sola Omoniyi
Days After Retired Police Inspector Was Kidnapped, Gunmen Abduct ex-A’Ibom Perm Sec after Church meeting
Former Secretary in Akwa Ibom State and the chairman of Saint John’s Catholic Church Council in Abak Local Government Area of the state, Ignatius Brown, has been kidnapped by gunmen, just as a retired Police Inspector, Ayuba Mangdihis, was also kidnapped in Plateau State.
It was gathered that Brown was reportedly kidnapped few metres from his home after attending a church meeting with his members.
An eye witness, who identified himself as Mr Aniefiok Marcus, informed newsmen in Uyo that “they (the hoodlums) trailed him from the Saint John’s Catholic Cathedral along Abak-Ikot Ekpene road and overpowered the driver close to the house at Udokpo Street, after shooting sporadically to scare away other vehicles and commuters on the road.
“When they (the abductors) succeeded in halting the Toyota RAV4 SUV of Brown, they bundled the driver out, hijacked the car and sped away with him lying down on the floor of the car.”
He said the car was later abandoned along the Abak-Ekparakwa road, after disappearing with the victim to an unknown destination.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon, who confirmed the incident, said one suspect has been arrested and helping the command with necessary information to track down the other kidnappers.
He said: “We have received that report already, and as we speak, preliminary investigation is ongoing. The Commissioner of Police, Olatoye Durusinmi, has detailed the Officer-in-Charge of kidnapping and other tactical teams to ensure that the victim is successfully rescued and reunited with his family.”
Retired Police Inspector abducted in Plateau community
In a related development, a retired Police Inspector, Ayuba Mangdihis, was abducted Tuesday night from his home in Daika community, Panyam district, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
As of Press time, the state Police Command could not confirm the incident.
However, a family member said: “Retired Inspector Ayuba Mangdihis was abducted at his residence at about 11:00 pm on 01/11/2022.
“He was sleeping when the abductors came knocking and requested him to open his door. When he realised that they were kidnappers he pleaded with them but they forced his door open and left with him after firing some gunshots. They are yet to contact the family for ransom as of yesterday evening. The family is in shock.
“About two weeks ago, Mr Gashon Leks also from Daika was kidnapped but later released after a ransom was paid. Incidents of kidnapping are becoming rampant in the Panyam district and it is very worrisome.”
