An undisclosed number of passengers were kidnapped in Cross River State, South-South Nigeria.
According to Sahara Reporters, the incident reportedly took place around 3 p.m. on Sunday at Nde 3 Corners in the Ikom local government area, mirroring a previous abduction of the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the same area earlier in December.
This latest abduction marks the fourth incident within a month around the Nde 3-corners by Akparabong junction
Cross River, like other parts of Nigeria, has grappled with security challenges in recent times. Incidents of kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal activities have posed a significant threat to the safety and well-being of residents and travelers alike. Understanding the root causes of such insecurity is crucial in developing effective strategies to address and prevent such incidents in the future.
The immediate response of the government to such incidents is critical in restoring public confidence and ensuring the swift and safe release of the kidnapped individuals. Authorities must not only take decisive action against the perpetrators but also work towards implementing long-term solutions to improve security infrastructure and intelligence capabilities.
Beyond the immediate victims, incidents like these have far-reaching consequences for local communities. The psychological toll on residents, the disruption of daily life, and the economic repercussions can be severe. Kidnappings not only create a culture of fear but also hinder social and economic activities, affecting the overall well-being of the affected communities.
Blamed on herdsmen who have been causing disturbances in the region, this latest abduction marks the fourth incident within a month around the Nde 3-corners by Akparabong junction. Distressed by the recurring kidnappings, locals have united to repair road defects, aiming to facilitate smoother traffic flow.
Eyewitnesses assert that the assailants, suspected to be herdsmen, lacked vehicles and instead emerged suddenly from the bush, firing at passing vehicles before dragging victims into nearby forests. Residents of Nde allege these criminals are residing in the nearby forests and at a trailer park within the village, perpetrating these attacks.
A resident of the community, Tony Etim said that on December 28, kidnappers at Nde 3 Corners, Ikom Local Government Area abducted a man and a woman. Etim said they shot a child dead in the process.
According to him, the December 28 incident came three days after gunmen killed one Akpang Ayambem, kidnapped four and wounded several others at the same spot -on Christmas Day.
“These abductions continued unabated despite the heavy presence of armed policemen along the road. The kidnappers even engaged the security agents in a gun battle at Nde 3- corners by Akparabong junction. The hoodlums later overpowered the security agents and abducted their victims,” the source said.
The Cross Rivers Police Command spokesperson, SP Irene Ugbo, didn’t answer his calls.
He also did not reply to a text message sent to him seeking more information regarding the incident.
