Police confirm abduction of former A’ibom senator, speaker

IMMEDIATE past representative of Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, Nelson Effiong, has been reportedly abducted from the Red Chamber bar and restaurant on Oron Road, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The Guardian learnt that during the attack, no fewer than eight persons were injured in the stampede, as the kidnappers seized the lawmaker.

It was also learnt that three armed bandits seized Effiong, who also served as former Speaker of the state House Assembly at his lounge on Sunday night.

In the ensuing stampede, eight customers were injured as the patrons scampered to safety amid sporadic shootings by the kidnappers.

One of the victims, Erick Ekwere, cried out on social media: “I have just been shot along Oron Road,” and urged security agencies to address the situation.

“The incident occurred at 9: 00p. m. on Sunday night. The armed men stormed the Red Chamber place in a Toyota Camry car and started shooting sporadically, sending customers and other guests to scamper for safety before they kidnapped the former Senator,” a source said.

The source added that Effiong, who hails from Oron Council of the state, was later taken away in a Toyota Camry car to an unknown destination.

Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer ( PPRO), Odiko Macdon, said: “The command received a report on the abduction of the victim and the Commissioner of Police ( CP) has ordered investigation into the matter. I believe that he will be rescued soon.”

The CP, who condemned that act, stressed that the command would spare no resources to ensure that the victim was rescued and that such situations were not tolerated, adding: “Steps have been taken and we are on the way to ensuring that the situation is brought under control.”