A Parish Priest identified as Father Alphonsus Uboh has been kidnapped by gunmen who invaded a Catholic church at Ikot Abasi Akpan along Ekparakwa-Etinan road in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State.
According to Daily Trust, the gunmen arrived at the church premises of Father Uboh at 7pm on Sunday night in a motorcycle convoy, forced their way into the church premises and whisked the priest away on their motorcycle after shooting into the air to scare away the people.
The incident happened barely two weeks after the Founder and President of Solid Rock Kingdom Church, Apostle John Okoriko, was kidnapped in his residence. He was later freed after spending four days in the kidnappers’ den and a ransom paid.
Reacting to the kidnap trend, a top police officer in the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the incident was alarming and giving the Police sleepless night.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko Mcdon, who confirmed the incident said they were working to tackle the activities of gunmen in the area.
“We have received the report from that area and we are working on it,” he said.
The affected communities include Ekparakwa, villages along Ekparakwa/Ikot Abasi road in Oruk Anam local government area, and Ikot Ebak, Ikot Akaam, Ibekwe Akpan axis in Mkpat local government area.