By PATRICK ABANG, Calabar –
A group operating in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State under the aegis of Social Group has charged Gov. Bassey Otu of the state to deploy a detachment of Operation Akpaku (armed police men) who will tackle rising wave of kidnapping along Nde 3 Corners, Akparabong Junction at Ikom Katsinala Highway in Cross River State.
The group berated the state government for failing to rise up to the challenge to end Kidnapping of innocent travellers along, Nde 3 Corners axis in Cross River.
NATIONAL ACCORD reports that the last three weeks, Nde 3 Corners Akparabong Junction has been a hotbed for Kidnapping activities, with over four victims killed including a babe who was hit by a stray bullet.
A resident of the community Mr. James Ese pointed accusing fingers on herdsmen, who reside at Atimaka cow and trailer settlement, whom he claimed had been behind kidnapping activities.
Before the recent attack of December 31, 2023, where innocent travellers along that road were abducted and taken into the forest, the Kidnappers abducted Chapter chairman of APC in Ikom LGA Hon. Mathew Egomo and his first son, Dickson in November and taken into the forest until a ransom was paid before he and his son regained freedom.
Ese, who alleged that herdsmen had been behind the attacks, stressed that the attackers struck twice last month, despite the heavy presence of armed policemen at checkpoints.
“Yesterday December 31, there was a gun battle that brought the Kidnappers face to face with the police at Nde 3- corners by Akparabong junction.
“The Kidnappers dragged their victims into the forest with some passersby caught up in the cross fire.
“Although no life was lost in the attack, apart from victims of the kidnap attack being held hostage in the forest.
Despite the series of attacks, the state government is yet to deploy a detachment of Operation Akpaku ( a unit of security operatives known for dealing with Kidnappers) to counter the sustained attacks neither has the government sent any troupes to combat the situation.
NATIONAL ACCORD can authoritatively report that it’s only the local vigilante and, the police from Ikom Divisional Police and the Area Command are the only ones who had attempted to comb the bushes fish out the attackers.
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