Father Of C'River Dep Gov kidnapped

There was chaos in the colonial town of Creek Town in Odukpani Local Government Council of Cross River State on Friday by sporadic gunshots as unknown gunmen kidnapped Etubom Essien Cobham, the father of State Deputy Governor, Mr Efiok Cobham.

The uncle of the Deputy Governor, whose name could not be immediately ascertained, was also said to have been abducted by the kidnappers.

The house of the Director General of the State Security Service (SSS), Mr Ita Ekpenyong was also allegedly attacked but they were repelled by security men. Though sources said the house was vandalised in the process.

As at press time, top government officials have kept sealed lips over the incident but sources in Creek town said, 'the shooting was so much that we thought war has come.'

The sources disclosed that the heavily armed men came in from the Bakassi area in the early hours through the Calabar creeks with two flying boats.

The incident, which reportedly lasted for hours, took the people of the community by surprise, as there was no report of any resistance during the invasion.

Fear and panic gripped the villagers as the gunmen fired gunshots indiscriminately, scaring away any form of resistance.

Sources further revealed that the kidnappers, suspected to have been assisted by insiders from the community, eventually made away with their victims through the creeks into the Cross River.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Hogan Bassey said, he was aware of the incident 'but for security reasons, I can't tell you what we are doing to rescue him.

'But the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kola Sodipo and senior officers have gone to Creek Town to see the building and the damage done,' he said.

When asked on the number of persons kidnapped, he said, 'for now, we are talking of the father. In due, course we will give you details.'

On the incident at the SSS Director General's house, he said the kidnappers could not gain access.