Dare Babalola
The Nigeria Police Force in Akwa Ibom State has rescued two abducted persons and recovered firearms during an operation in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.
The command’s spokesperson, Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Uyo, the state capital.
According to her, the police acted on credible intelligence received on April 15 at about 8:19 p.m., indicating that suspected attackers from Edem Idim Okpot had launched an assault on residents of Odoro Atasung village.
She explained that the victims were abducted while harvesting palm fruits in a swampy area said to be under dispute between the communities.
“The victims had gone to harvest palm fruits in a disputed area when the attackers struck and abducted two persons,” she said.
The police, however, swiftly launched a rescue operation, leading to the safe recovery of the victims in the early hours of April 16.
“Acting promptly on the information, operatives of the command stormed the suspected hideout of the abductors at about 6:10 a.m. On sighting the police, the suspects fled, abandoning their captives,” John stated.
She added that the victims were rescued unhurt and have since been reunited with their families.
During the operation, security operatives recovered a locally made shotgun and a live cartridge from the scene.
Preliminary investigations, according to the police, indicate that the incident is linked to a long-standing dispute over ownership of the palm plantation, which is currently before a court.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Azare, urged parties involved in the conflict to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and instead allow legal processes to resolve the matter.
Police authorities said efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
