Tragedy struck last Wednesday as a driver of the Akwa Ibom State Transport Company (AKTC) and his 18 passengers were abducted by unknown gunmen along the Azumini boundary town between Akwa Ibom and Abia states.
The incident reportedly occurred when the AKTC bus departed from Uyo terminal, passing through Iwukem in Etim Ekpo council area, before being intercepted by armed assailants at the Azumini axis of the road.
Confirming the abduction, Police Public Relations Officer ASP Timfon John stated that investigations are ongoing into the harrowing incident.
Eyewitnesses described a chilling scene where the gunmen halted the vehicle by firing shots into the air.
A source familiar with the ordeal recounted, “All the passengers were ordered to come out from the vehicle or be killed, and they complied. The driver was the first person to disembark, followed by the passengers. The kidnappers then moved all of them into the bush and made their escape. The whereabouts of the passengers remain unknown at this time.”
In response to inquiries, the PPRO added, “Yes, the incident occurred along the Azumini axis of the road after Etim Ekpo Local Government Area. All I can say is that the police are actively monitoring the situation.”
The abduction has sparked concerns over security along the Akwa Ibom and Abia border areas, with authorities intensifying efforts to secure the safe return of the victims.