Gunmen invade C’River community on Christmas Day, kill youth leader, kidnap others

Gunmen invade C’River community on Christmas Day, kill youth leader, kidnap others

On Christmas Day, gunmen killed a youth leader, Mr. Akpang Ayambem, and kidnapped four others in the Nde Three Corners town of Cross River State.

The incident occurred in Ikom Local Government Area, the home of the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem.

In recent months, Nde Three Corners has become known for kidnappings and other violent crimes.

Over the last month, travelers on the Ikom Ogoja/Katsina Ala Highway have also been frequent targets of abduction.

According to Mr. Awor Takim, a resident of the neighborhood, the gunmen struck in the evening, shooting an unnamed man and dragging his body into the jungle.

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They then proceeded to operate for 30-60 minutes, shooting and wounding two other residents who were returning from their farms. One of the wounded victims sustained a gunshot injury to his hand and is receiving medical attention.

Soldiers from a nearby battalion and police anti-robbery squad reportedly arrived after the gunmen fled.

At the time of writing, Irene Ugbo, the Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that her office had not yet received a report of the incident but promised to investigate the matter.

The recent surge in criminal activity in Nde Three Corners is deeply concerning.

Last month, a medical practitioner was reportedly shot dead, and the APC Ikom Ward Chairman, Matthew Egomo, was kidnapped along with his son. Egomo paid a N5 million ransom before being released.

Efforts to reach Speaker Ayambem for comment were unsuccessful as his phone remained switched off.

Gunmen invade C’River community on Christmas Day, kill youth leader, kidnap others