By Frank Ulom
Barely three days after the abduction of Kenneth Abang, an aide to a Federal Lawmaker and his relative, Eunice Abang along the Calabar-Biase Highway, the Cross River State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Gertrude Njar has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen.
CONVERSEER gathered that Mrs Njar was kidnapped alongside one other person on Wednesday morning, February 1, 2023, around Mayne Avenue by Atamunu axis in Calabar South Local Government Area of the state.
A source, Sunday Modim who witnessed the incident said Mrs Gertrude was whisked away by gunmen claiming to be military personnel along Mayne Avenue by Atamunu Street at about 8:00am demanding to know why she was driving a car with a covered number plate.
Modim said while “Mrs Njar was trying to explain and also put out some desperate calls to some top government officials to come to her aid, the kidnappers abruptly stopped her calls, dragged her into her official vehicle and whisked her away to an unknown destination”.
Another eyewitness, who spoke under anonymity said another person, a yet-to-be-identified lady was also kidnapped by the same gunmen at about 9:00am on that same day at Mayne Avenue.
Meanwhile, a team of operatives discovered the Commissioner’s shoes on the track used by her abductors into the creeks in Calabar South.
READ ALSO: Man travelling for Father’s burial kidnapped long Calabar-Biase Highway
CONVERSEER also learned that the kidnappers of the Abangs have demanded the sum of N60 million as a ransom for their release.
A former Local Government Chairman and Commissioner, Ntufam Donatus Etim and a Director at the State’s fire service unit were shot at different locations along the same Calabar-Biase Highway on Saturday, January 28, 2023.
Etim was said to be in the company of his friend while returning to Calabar after attending a burial ceremony at the Central Senatorial District of the State when the hoodlums opened fire indiscriminately against travellers and the bullets hit one of his legs and the person in his car. The duo are currently receiving medical attention at one of the private hospitals.
Confirming the incidents, SP Irene Ugbo, Police spokesperson in Cross River State said a crack team has been sent to free the victims.
