Akwa Ibom state police command has rescued a retired Shell worker who was kidnapped by a four man gang and held in captivity in the kidnappers den
In a statement by Akwa Ibom state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Timfon John made available to Journalists in Uyo on Tuesday stated that the former staff of Shell Petroleum was abducted one week ago by the gang in military camouflage and whisked away to unknown destination.
John who did not mention name of the victim disclosed that the four man gang started firing at the police which resulted in injury on one of them who later died in the hospital while others fled .
The statement reads in parts :
On 22/06/2024 following intelligence information available at the Command’s disposal about the whereabout of a retired Shell Petroleum Company worker, (Name witheld) ‘M’ 63 yrs, that was kidnapped on 17/06/2024 by four unknown armed men dressed in military camouflage.
” The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Police Command, CP Waheed Ayilara had ordered the SWAT operatives of the command to immediately swing into action.
” Upon sighting the Police, the kidnappers started firing at them. During the ensuing gun duel, one of the Kidnappers sustained serious gun shots injury, while others escaped.
“The injured suspects was taken to a hospital where he was confirmed dead.”
John said the victim was rescued unhurt in a compound located at Ikot Udobong Village in Etim Ekpo council area of the state.
The Police Spokesperson said preliminary investigations revealed that the kidnappers had initially demanded for N50m ransom while family of the victim later agreed to N20m .
She said no ransom was paid as at the time of the rescue adding that efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Police Command, CP Waheed Ayilara has reaffirmed the command’s commitment to rid the state of crime and criminal elements.
