Residents of Ikom local government area of Cross River State have charged Governor Bassey Otu to deploy a detachment of “Operation Akpaku” (armed policemen) to tackle kidnapping in Nde 3 Corners, Akparabong Junction at Ikom Katsinala Highway.
They accused the state government of failing to rise up to the challenge to end the kidnapping of innocent travellers on the axis.
In the last three weeks, Nde 3 Corners Akparabong Junction has been the 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 at herdsmen who reside at Atimaka Cow and Trailer Settlement.
Before the attack of December 31, 2023 where travellers were abducted and taken into the forest, the kidnappers abducted the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikom council, 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 alleged that herdsmen had been behind the attacks and stressed that they 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 crossfire.
“Although no life was lost, the victims are being held hostage in the forest,” he said.
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 troops to combat the situation.
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