Kidnapped Akwa Ibom school principal regains freedom

Akparawa Ezekiel Paul, a retired school principal kidnapped at his home in Ikot Abasi Akpan, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, has been released after a week in captivity.

ASP Timfon John, a state police spokesman, verified the development, saying the individual was released unharmed and has been reunited with his family.

Augustine Paul Akpan, the victim’s elder brother and Arch-Bishop of the African Church Nigeria, said shortly after his release that the kidnappers rescued him on Saturday morning.

“We will be taking him to the hospital for rest and treatment. We thank the police for their efforts and all those who have prayed with us throughout the difficult period for his safe release,” he said.

Meanwhile, police said the boss of the kidnap syndicate, dubbed “Taller,” and other gang members known for terrorising the neighbourhood had been arrested.

According to reports, the gang has cells at Ikot Abasi Akpan, Ikot Obio Nso, Ndon Eyo, and Ndon Utim, as well as surrounding communities along the Ekparakwa-Etinan route, where captives are held until ransoms are paid before being released.

Meanwhile, it is unclear whether the agreed ransom of N20 million, which the abductors reduced to N5 million, was ultimately paid to secure his release.