Gunmen abduct Cross River commissioner

Gunmen have abducted Gabriel Odu-Orji, commissioner for water resources in Cross River.

According to NAN, Odu-Orji was abducted at Effionawan street in Mayne avenue area of Calabar south on Sunday.

James Ibri, a witness, said the gunmen, five in number, accosted Odu-Orji as he stepped out of his vehicle with the intention of eating in a nearby restaurant.

Ibri said the gunmen abandoned the blue Audi car they came in and ordered the commissioner into his Prado Jeep before driving off.

“Around 12 noon today, I was in front of one restaurant waiting for a friend when the commissioner for water resources stepped down and was approaching the restaurant,” Ibri said.

“Before he could get into the restaurant, some five well-armed men came in a blue Audi, parked their car by the road side and ordered the commissioner into his car and drove away.

“Those guys were kidnappers because they wore mask to hide their faces.”

Irene Ugbo, the state police public relations officer, confirmed the incident to NAN in a telephone interview.

“We have received a complaint about the abduction of the commissioner for water resources. He was kidnapped and taken away in his Prado Jeep today,” he said.

“We have deployed our men from the command and those from the intelligence department to all routes in the state with a view to releasing him.

“As we speak, all check points are thoroughly manned by our men to ensure that he is released safely.”