Gunmen kill youth leader, abduct four in Cross River community

Tragedy struck the Nde Three Corners Community in Cross River State on Christmas Day as gunmen killed a youth leader, Mr. Akpang Ayambem, and abducted four others.

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

Nde Three Corners has become notorious for kidnappings and other criminal activities in recent months.

Travelers on the Ikom Ogoja/Katsina-Ala corridor have also been frequent targets of kidnappers over the past months.

Mr. Awor Takim, a resident of the community, reported that the gunmen struck in the evening, shooting an unidentified man and dragging his body into the bush.

According to the eyewitness, they operated for about 30-60 minutes, shooting and wounding two other residents who were returning from their farms. One of the wounded victims sustained a gunshot injury on his hand and is receiving medical attention.

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

As of the time of filling this report, 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.

Recall last month, a medical practitioner was reportedly shot dead, and the All Progressive Congress (APC) Ikom Ward Chairman, Matthew Egomo, was kidnapped along with his son. A ransom was reported to have been paid by Egomo before being released.

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

By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)