Suspected gunmen have kidnapped a traditional ruler of Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River, HRM Maurice Edet.
Nigeriacrime.com learned that HRM Maurice Edet was abducted in residence in Asin ufot, Ayamba Ikot Akriba community.
Also, an aide to the traditional ruler was shot dead in the process of the abduction which lasted hours.
A source who pleaded anonymity said that the traditional ruler’s aide was killed as he tried to resist the kidnappers from abducting his principal.
Akpabuyo, known for its notoriety, is less than 15 kilometers from Calabar, the capital city of Cross River state.
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO,) SP Irene Ugbo who confirmed the incident said details of the abduction were yet to be briefed about the full details of the incident
In a related development, four people were killed by gunmen who invaded Dungwel Community of Mangu District at about 07:30 pm on Sunday.
Nigeriacrime.com learned that the deceased were members of the same family.
Confirming the incident, Manji Le’an, a community member said, “There was an attack at Dungwel Community of Mangu District at about 07:30 pm 10/12/2023 by suspected Fulani militias. Four Members of a family were killed and others injured in the incident. This community is less than one kilometers from the military checkpoint at Sabon Gari in Mangu yet the attack occurred in the area without any suspect arrested. Four members of a family Stephen Datugun, Haruna Sambo, a woman and one other male were killed and others injured in the incident.”
Meanwhile, the spokesman of Operation Safe Haven, Captain James Oya, confirmed the incident on Monday but said the situation would have been worse.
He said, “It is true, there was an attack at Dungwel, some persons were killed, fortunately, by the time our troop got there, the deed had been done. But the situation was contained. It was as the result of the troop intervention that the Mai Angwa, (Community Leader) and his family were rescued because his house was set ablaze but the fire was quenched and the people were rescued.
“If not for the intervention of the soldiers, the wives of the village head and his children who were locked inside the house would have died because the house was still on fire when the troops got there and everywhere was filled with smoke.”