Abducted Akwa Ibom judge, driver regain freedom

Joy Unwana, a high court judge in Oron, Akwa Ibom and her driver who were abducted by gunmen, have regained their freedom.

Ini Ememobong, commissioner for information, announced the development in a statement on Saturday.

The judge was said to have been kidnapped alongside her driver on her way back from a court sitting.

During the incident, which took place along Uyo-Okobo road in Oron town, the police officer assigned to the judge was killed.

Ememobong said Umo Eno, the state governor, thanked God for ensuring her safe return and thanked the security agencies for their commitment to duty.

He said the freed judge and her driver are currently receiving medical attention.

The commissioner said the governor sympathised with the judge and driver for the trauma they must have gone through in the hands of their abductors.

He said the governor reassured Akwa Ibom residents of government’s commitment to bringing the perpetrators to book.

“The Governor, specifically, appreciated the Ministry of Internal Security for their strategic coordination and use of local intelligence in the handling of security issues,” the statement reads.

The commissioner said Unwana appreciated the governor for his concern and efforts at rescuing her and her driver from the abductors.

She recounted her ordeal in the kidnappers’ den, praying that no one should face such a terrible experience.