The incident took place at his fuel station along Marina Road on Monday, June 12. Chief Edet, who serves as the Deputy Coordinator of the Divine Mandate Campaign Organisation in Oron, was accosted by a group of hoodlums numbering over six.
Eyewitnesses revealed that Chief Edet, who is in his mid-60s, was beaten and forcibly taken away in a Sienna SUV. The vehicle was later discovered burnt to ashes at the Atlantic Shores of Oron.
It is believed that the abductors transferred him to a waiting speedboat at the sea before setting the Sienna ablaze.
As of now, the abductors have not made any contact with the family regarding ransom demands. One eyewitness, Austin, who was present at the fuel station during the incident, described the harrowing scene.
He stated, "I was there at his filling station when those boys came, they dragged him into their Sienna and shot sporadically into the air, beat him and took him away. I heard that they got to a spot and put him into a speedboat and set fire to their vehicle. I was so scared to follow them."
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Odiko MacDon, confirmed the abduction and stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Olatoye Durosinmi, has initiated an investigation into the matter.
CP Durosinmi personally visited the scene of the incident and the waterfront. While a burnt fragment of the Sienna used in the operation has been recovered, investigations are underway, and authorities are determined to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The abduction of Chief Eyo Okon Edet has raised concerns about the security situation in Akwa Ibom State. The PDP chieftain's role in the Divine Mandate Campaign Organisation and his stature within the party make this incident particularly notable.
The police and other security agencies are working diligently to unravel the circumstances surrounding the abduction and secure the safe release of Chief Edet.
The family, friends, and associates of Chief Eyo Okon Edet are anxiously awaiting updates and praying for his swift and safe return. The PDP and the community of Oron have expressed deep concern and solidarity, urging the security agencies to intensify efforts and ensure the release of the abducted chieftain.