Deputy governorship candidate abducted in Cross River

The Young Peoples Party Deputy Gov’ship candidate, Mr Agbor Onyi, and three others have been abducted on the Calabar-Ogoja highway, according to the Cross River State Police Command. Among the kidnapped is an Assistant Superintendent of Immigration, Imojara Imojara. The four individuals were on their way to Northern Cross River for Saturday’s election when they were abducted on Thursday evening. Mrs Sandara Egbung, the wife of an aide to Gov. Ben Ayade, was also one of the occupants in the vehicle. The kidnappers had demanded N60 million ransom, which they later reduced to N40 million.

The Commissioner of Police in charge of the election has directed drastic action to ensure the abductees’ are released before election day. The police spokesperson, SP Irene Ugbo, assured the public that the Command was working tirelessly to secure their release. She added that the police hoped everything would be fine before Saturday.

Kidnapping is not uncommon in Nigeria, especially during election seasons. Politicians and their aides are often targeted for abduction and ransom payments. Security agencies have been vigilant during this election season to prevent violence or criminal activities. The police have urged the public to report suspicious activities to the authorities.

The abduction of the Deputy Gov’ship candidate and the other individuals has sparked concerns among politicians and voters in Cross River State. The Young Peoples’ Party has called on the authorities to do everything they can to ensure their candidates and others’ safe release. The party has also urged the public to remain calm and peaceful during the election process.

The Cross River State election is one of the most closely watched elections in the country. The election is expected to be a tight race between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party and the opposition All Progressives Congress. The abduction of the Deputy Gov’ship candidate and the others has added a new dimension to the already tense election environment. The authorities have promised adequate security before, during and after the election to ensure a peaceful and credible process.