Ex-Akwa Ibom senator, Effiong, kidnapped at drinking spot in Uyo — Police

A member of the eighth senate, Senator Nelson Effiong, has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Akwa Ibom, SP Odiko Macdon, said “he was kidnapped by unknown gunmen at a popular drinking spot on Oron Road, Uyo,”

Senator Nelson Effiong represented Eket Senatorial District in the eighth Senate.

Macdon told newsmen in Uyo on Monday that the senator was kidnapped at about 10 p.m on Sunday, September 5.

He however promised that the command would ensure that the perpetrators were brought to book and also secure the release of the politician.

Macdon said that the police would use available resources to secure freedom for the former senator as soon as possible.

“We have received that sad report of the kidnapped of the Senator.

“The Commissioner of Police Andrew Amiengheme is miffed about it and have promised to spare no resources in ensuring his safe rescue and perpetrators brought to book,” Macdon said.

A source, who sought anonymity, said that Sen. Effiong was kidnapped at his joint on Oron road in Uyo main town.

He said that seven people were seriously injured alongside the Special Assistant to Chairman, House Committee on Information, in the House of Assembly.

The source said that the senator was abducted by three armed hoodlums at the lounge believed to be his own business place in the night and escaped with him to unknown destination.

“Eight of the customers at the lounge were injured during a scuffle as they scampered for safety as the gunmen shot sporadically. causing a stampede at the lounge,” he said.

One of the victims, Mr Paul Ekwere, now receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital in Uyo said the hoodlums invaded the lounge while they were drinking and shot customers, wounding some of the them.

“I was shot at the lounge, I appeal to security agencies to rescue the situation,” he said.

Ekwere explained that the incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Sunday.

He said the abductors stormed the sit-out with a Toyota Camry car and started shooting sporadically, sending the customers and other guests to scamper for safety before they made straight for the senator,” a source said.