Residents of the Ikom local government area in Cross River State are urgently calling upon Governor Bassey Otu to deploy a detachment of “Operation Akpaku” (armed policemen) to address the escalating issue of kidnappings at Nde 3 Corners, Akparabong Junction on the Ikom Katsinala Highway.
They accuse the state government of failing to adequately respond to the challenge of putting an end to the kidnapping of innocent travelers along this route. Over the past three weeks, Nde 3 Corners Akparabong Junction has become a hotspot for kidnapping activities, resulting in the death of over four victims, including a child hit by a stray bullet.
Mr. James Ese, a resident of the community, points fingers at herdsmen residing in the Atimaka Cow and Trailer Settlement, alleging their involvement in the attacks. Before the December 31, 2023 incident, where travelers were abducted and taken into the forest, the kidnappers had previously abducted the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikom council, Hon. Mathew Egomo, and his first son Dickson in November. They were held in the forest until a ransom was paid for their release.
Ese insists that herdsmen have been behind these attacks and emphasizes that they struck twice last month, despite the heavy presence of armed policemen at checkpoints.
On December 31, a gun battle ensued between the kidnappers and the police at Nde 3 Corners by Akparabong junction. The victims were dragged into the forest during the crossfire, with some passersby caught in the chaos. Although no lives were lost, the victims are currently being held hostage in the forest.
Despite the repeated attacks, the state government has not deployed a detachment of “Operation Akpaku” (a unit known for dealing with kidnappers) to counter these sustained attacks. Additionally, there has been no deployment of government troops to address the situation.
