Abductors are demanding a ransom of N20 million for the release of Ezekiel Paul, a retired school principal kidnapped on Sunday from his home in Ikot Abasi Akpan, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
Paul was taken from his residence near the Community Civic Centre at 7 a.m. while he was preparing to attend Mass at St. Pius’ Church Parish.
Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Command, ASP Timfon John, confirmed the incident yesterday. “The police are aware and strategic efforts are ongoing” to rescue the kidnapped victim amidst a resurgence of kidnappings in Akwa Ibom.
A source described the abduction, saying, “Akparawa Ezekiel Paul was kidnapped on Sunday around 7:00 a.m. when he came out of his house in the morning. He was doing some domestic chores before going to Mass at his Parish, St. Pius X, when these boys, who had been waiting around the compound without his knowing, swooped on him.”
The source added, “He was blindfolded and dragged to where they parked their motorcycles on the road by about five persons. As the victim was shouting for help, they whisked him to an unknown destination on one of the bikes.”
The victim’s wife, Mrs. Mary Ezekiel, raised the alarm after noticing the commotion and realizing her husband was being taken away.
