By Our Reporter
The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, on Sunday, at about 5:03 PM, thwarted a kidnapping attempt on commuters along the Afi, Nde-Ogoja/Ikom highway. The incident unfolded as a group of unknown gunmen blocked the road, halting traffic in both directions.
According to a statement by Mr Matthew Okache, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker on Monday, Speaker Ayambem and his convoy were returning to Ikom after attending the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Sylvester Agabi’s Thanksgiving Ceremony in Obudu before encountering the chaos.
Reacting swiftly, the Speaker and his team dispersed the miscreants and engaged in sporadic shooting to clear the road for stranded motorists. Their gallant efforts not only averted a potential tragedy but also restored the flow of traffic along the vital highway, ensuring the safety of travellers.
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Following the confrontation, Speaker Ayambem visited the Atimaka Trailer Park in Ikom, a hub predominantly inhabited by the Hausa. There, he issued a stern warning to any elements intent on disturbing the peace of the Nde people and travellers along the highway.
He emphasised that if the incidents of kidnapping persist, he will take decisive action, vowing to visit the trailer park with full force to restore normalcy.
