NDDC Official Abducted in Bayelsa as Cross River Grapples with Fatal Stabbing Incident
In a troubling escalation of insecurity in Nigeria’s southern region, gunmen abducted a senior official of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Bayelsa State, while a tragic stabbing incident marred a funeral in Cross River State, PRNigeria reports.
Mr. Loveday Akari, a Senior Special Assistant to the managing director of the NDDC, was abducted by gunmen in Ayakoro Community, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The assailants reportedly escaped using a boat, which was later found abandoned near the scene of the crime.
In response, according to Zagazola, security forces swiftly activated blocking positions to restrict the kidnappers’ movement and deployed electronic surveillance assets to track their hideout. A Joint Services team, comprising the Nigerian Navy, Tactical Units, and Marine Units, has been deployed to secure Onuebum and Ayakoro communities. An intensive manhunt is underway to rescue Akari and apprehend the perpetrators.
“Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing, and we are committed to ensuring the safe release of Mr. Akari and bringing the culprits to justice,” a security source stated. The incident has heightened concerns over the safety of public officials and residents in the Niger Delta region.
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In a separate incident, a funeral mass in Cross River State turned violent when a man identified as Gideon Gabriel Eyoh Nwosu, an indigene of Enugu State, was stabbed to death. The attack occurred during a farewell mass held in honour of the late Chief Maurice Ibok at Ikot Etim Bott Community in Akpabuyo Town
The suspect, Efio Effiong, allegedly stabbed Nwosu in the throat before fleeing the scene. The motive behind the attack remains unclear. Police operatives from the Sting Unit Robot were promptly deployed to the scene, and the victim’s body was evacuated to the State Hospital mortuary for autopsy and preservation.
“We have launched a full-scale investigation and are intensifying efforts to track down the suspect,” a police spokesperson confirmed. The tragic incident has left the community in shock, raising questions about public safety during social gatherings.
The abduction in Bayelsa and the fatal stabbing in Cross River highlight the growing security challenges in Nigeria’s southern states. While security agencies have intensified efforts to address these incidents, residents are calling for stronger measures to ensure the safety of lives and property.
In Bayelsa, the deployment of joint security forces and the use of advanced surveillance technology demonstrate a proactive approach to combating kidnapping and criminal activities. Meanwhile, in Cross River, the police have vowed to bring the suspect in the stabbing case to justice, underscoring their commitment to maintaining law and order.
As investigations and rescue operations continue, the incidents serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced security measures and community vigilance to prevent further tragedies.
By PRNigeria
