The governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Cross River, Usani Usani, narrowly escaped being killed by gunmen, who attacked his convoy along the Calabar-Ikom highway.
The gunmen killed two persons after shooting at their vehicles and abducted three of them.
The former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs was said to be on his way to his hometown in Nko, Yakurr Local Government Area, alongside the deputy governorship candidate and others when they were attacked.
The state Commissioner of Police, Sule Balarabe, who confirmed the news, said it occurred between the axis of Akamkpa and Biase Local Government Areas of the state at about 4:00 p.m. on Friday.
CP Balarabe said it started when a white Ford with Registration number AAA 41 AQ was ambushed by the suspected kidnappers, killing the two yet-to-be-identified victims and kidnapped three other persons.
He said, “The vehicle in which they killed two persons had seven occupants, including two police officers, ASP Ibor Bassey and Insp. Ebro Ebri who escaped and called for reinforcement.
“A tactical Unit was immediately dispatched to the area and three persons have so far been rescued.”
The Commissioner said the rescued persons were members of the PRP who were travelling with the former minister.
Balarabe solicited support by way of useful information to the police from the communities along the Calabar-Ikom highway.
“We are appealing to all community leaders and traditional rulers to help security agencies by providing us with useful information through our dedicated lines.
“These criminals are not spirits, they are human beings who live amongst them. Without useful and timely information, it will be very difficult to nip this nefarious activity in the bud,” he said.
Speaking on the attack, Usani’s media aide, David Agabi, said they escaped by the whiskers.
“We were in a convoy, the gunmen started shooting at us around Betem in Biase, my principal’s driver sustained gunshot injuries while the vehicle was riddled with bullets.
“Other members of our party in the convoy also suffered various degrees of injuries.
“Four persons were abducted but as I speak to you, only three have regained freedom, one person is still missing, and my principal is in good condition.”