Gunmen have abducted a driver and 18 passengers in Akwa Ibom State, police authorities reported on Tuesday.
The incident took place last week along the Azumini boundary between Akwa Ibom and Abia states.
According to reports, the bus departed from its terminal in Uyo, passing through Iwukem in the Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom, before the passengers were intercepted in the Azumini area.
A source, who requested anonymity, told Channels Television that the gunmen stopped the bus by shooting into the air. Additional assailants emerged from the bush, joining the gunfire and forcing the driver to halt.
The source recounted, “The driver was the first to exit the bus. The passengers were then ordered to disembark under the threat of death. The kidnappers moved everyone into the bush, and their whereabouts remain unknown.”
Akwa Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Timfon John, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview with Channels Television in Uyo. “The state police command is aware and is closely monitoring the situation,” she said.
She added, “The incident occurred along the Azumini area of the road, after the Etim Ekpo Local Government Area. The police are actively monitoring the situation.”
ASP John also confirmed an armed robbery at the Akwa Ibom State newspaper corporation, publishers of the Pioneer newspaper, located at Information Drive, Uyo, where a security guard was killed. She assured that the police are working diligently to apprehend the culprits as soon as possible.
