The Akwa Ibom Police Command has confirmed the abduction of Mr. Samuel Ekerenam, the owner of Hephzibah Shopping Mall in Eket, located along the Afaha Uqua Obok-Idim road in the Eket Local Government Area. The incident occurred on Saturday at around 10:55 p.m., when armed kidnappers attacked Ekerenam’s mall.

During a press briefing on Tuesday, ASP Timfon John, the State Police Public Relations Officer, provided the latest details. He confirmed that the armed assailants killed Ekerenam’s personal driver and severely injured his police escort before abducting him.

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“The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Eribo, along with his tactical team, has visited the crime scene, and efforts to secure the victim’s release are in progress,” John stated.

This kidnapping marks the second abduction of a family member, as Ekerenam’s wife, Mrs. Glory Ekerenam, was previously kidnapped on October 17, 2019. She was held captive in a location in Ikot Ubo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, before being freed.

A close family source revealed that Mr. Ekerenam had just returned from work when the attack took place. The police officer who was injured in the attack is reported to be in critical condition at an undisclosed hospital.