Anxiety continues to grip the family of Chief Eyo Okon Edet, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as his whereabouts remain unknown even after 11 days since he was abducted by armed hoodlums. The incident took place at his Filling Station along Marina Road in Oron Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, leaving the family desperate for answers.
Chief Edet, affectionately known as Eyo Aswang, played a significant role as the Deputy Coordinator of Divine Mandate (DM), Governor Umo Eno’s Campaign Organization during the state’s electioneering campaign. He was forcefully taken along the estuary of the Oron coastal waters, while the assailants set ablaze the Sienna vehicle used in the operation before fleeing with the victim by sea.
Expressing deep concern, a family source, who preferred anonymity, shared the anguish they are experiencing. They are puzzled by the motive behind the abduction, as no ransom demand has been made so far, which is usually the case in such incidents.
The source emphasized that Chief Edet, chairman of EyoTech Oil Nig Ltd, had no known issues that could have prompted such a heinous act of kidnapping against him. The family and well-wishers are appealing to the security agencies, particularly the Marine Police, to intensify their efforts and rescue Chief Edet unharmed.
In response to the incident, the Akwa Ibom Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Odiko Macdon, condemned the use of kidnapping as a means of extortion or settling personal scores, stressing that there is no justification for such acts of violence against fellow humans.
While maintaining confidentiality regarding the operational strategy, the Police PPRO assured the public that the police force is actively engaged in efforts to secure Chief Edet’s release and bring the kidnappers to justice. The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olatoye Durosinmi, is personally overseeing the operation and has deployed additional resources to ensure the victim’s safe return and maintain the state’s overall security.
In a stern warning to criminal elements, the PPRO cautioned them to reform their ways or face the superior firepower of the security forces.
