Kidnapping : Driver, 18 passengers abducted in Rivers-bound bus

The driver and 18 passengers of a Port Harcourt-bound Akwa Ibom State Transport Corporation bus were abducted last Wednesday by unidentified gunmen. The incident occurred along the Azumini boundary between Akwa Ibom and Abia states.

According to sources, the bus departed from its Uyo terminal and was traveling through Iwukem in the Etim Local Council Area when it was intercepted by the abductors in the Azumini area.

A source, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the gunmen stopped the bus by firing shots into the air. Additional attackers emerged from the bushes and joined in the shooting, forcing the bus to stop.

“The driver was the first to step out of the bus, followed by the passengers who were threatened with death if they did not comply. The kidnappers then led all the passengers into the bush and vanished with them. The current whereabouts of the passengers are unknown,” the source said.

Akwa Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Timfon John, confirmed the incident to journalists on Monday, stating that the police are actively monitoring the situation.

“The incident occurred along the Azumini area of the road, past the Etim Ekpo Local Government Area. The police are currently keeping a close watch on the situation,” ASP John reported.

 

 

Punch

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