November 8, 2024

TNN Newspaper

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Kidnapped Taxi Driver, Carpenter In C’River Narrate Ordeal

2 min read

 

 

 

 

Godwin AJOM, Calabar

 

 

Two residents of Cross River State, Mr Joseph David, a taxi driver and Mr Otobong, a carpenter who were both kidnapped recently in Cross River state, have narrated their ordeal while in captivity.

 

 

The duo spoke in separate interviews in TNN. In his narration, David recalled how he was captured by the kidnappers, saying “I was actually set up with the pretence of going to carry Oil Palm at Esuk Mba by the same set of people who abducted me. On our way to Esuk Mba to carry the product, the man who hired me suddenly asked me to stop at a spot. All of a sudden, two young men came out from a nearby bush with guns and marched me into a speed boat and took me into the creeks.

 

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“They left the person who hired me from Calabar with my vehicle and the car didn’t start. In the process, some youths from the area suspected something was wrong. When he was approached, he took off. Tthat was when a call was placed to the tactical unit of anti- kidnapping squad.

 

 

“I believe he gave his accomplices a tip off because they were receiving calls and they beat me up badly with cutlass. They dropped me off at Anantigha axis before the anti- kidnapping and Operation Akpakwu came to my rescue.”

 

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David however said he would identify the kidnappers when apprehended. On his part, the carpenter said he spent five days with his abductors in captivity.

 

 

He said: “They called me with a number I don’t have and asked me to meet them at West African People Institute (WAPI) junction that they have a job for me at state housing. But before leaving, I called my wife to inform her. Unfortunately, her phone line didn’t connect, so I had to inform my daughter about my movement instead.

 

 

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“However, on my way, I received another call from the same person that I should rather stop at Stadium that they will pick me up from there, which they did. They were three in the car, a Toyota Camry. Since I didn’t suspect any foul, play I joined them.

 

 

“It was while they were driving me to their destination along the highway that I lost consciousness. I didn’t know where I was anymore. They kept me in a room for five days, blind folded and without food for days. Even the N37,000 I had with me to buy material for another customer was collected.

 

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“When they checked my account balance they knew I was a wrong target, because I didn’t have a kobo in it. They questioned me if I had money I told them I’m just a poor carpenter.”
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Irene Ugbo, confirmed their freedom.

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