In a disturbing incident, officers and patrons of Omgbotuche Ayi Yala Worldwide (AYWI) were held hostage by gunmen during a meeting in Calabar.
The assailants managed to abduct Dr. Roland Ipuole, a lecturer from the University of Calabar (UNICAL) Law Faculty, along with two other individuals.
The kidnappers also stole mobile phones and other valuables from those present at the meeting.
The kidnapping occurred at Harry D Hub on Ndidem Usang Iso Road. Witnesses reported that the officers and patrons were held captive for over 30 minutes without any intervention from security agencies. One eyewitness stated, “There was no intervention or interruptions by security agencies. I saw them collecting money from drivers and other road users.”
While one of the abducted individuals, Dominic Ogri, regained his freedom on Wednesday, Dr. Roland Ipuole remains in captivity with no communication established regarding his situation. The motivations behind the abduction remain unclear.
The Edebia Sons and Daughters group in Calabar has urgently appealed to the state government for assistance in securing the release of their kidnapped member. Superintendent Irene Ugbo, the Police Public Relations Officer for the state, has confirmed the abduction and ongoing efforts to locate and rescue the hostages.
The incident highlights the growing concerns over security and the need for more proactive measures to protect citizens and ensure swift responses to such emergencies.
