In a disturbing incident, a driver and 18 passengers of a Port Harcourt-bound Akwa Ibom State Transport Corporation bus were abducted by unidentified gunmen. The incident took place last week along the Azumini boundary between Akwa Ibom and Abia states.
According to reports, the bus had left its Uyo terminal and was passing through Iwukem in the Etim Local Council Area when it was intercepted by the abductors in the Azumini area. The gunmen stopped the bus and fired shots into the air. They then emerged from the bush and joined in the shooting, ordering all the passengers to come out of the vehicle or face the threat of being killed.
Eyewitnesses stated that the driver was the first to comply with the abductors’ demands, followed by the passengers. The kidnappers then moved everyone into the bush and escaped with them. The whereabouts of the victims are currently unknown.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Timfon John, confirmed the incident and assured the public that the police are closely monitoring the situation. The exact motive behind the abduction and the identity of the perpetrators remain unclear at this time.
The safety and security of citizens are of utmost importance, and incidents like these highlight the need for increased vigilance and effective measures to combat criminal activities. The relevant authorities must work diligently to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted individuals and bring the culprits to justice.