Kidnapped CR PDP Federal Constituency Aspirant Released
By: Alobo Eba
An aspirant for the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency in the 2019 election under the People’s Democratic Party, Engineer Jerome Egbe whisked away last week to unknown location by unknown gunmen has been released, The Lens has been informed.
The Lens sources said that Engineer Jerome Egbe, who is also a lecturer, with the Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH), was released last Saturday after being abducted at gunpoint at a mechanic workshop around Asari Iso Layout, Calabar.
It could not be confirmed at press time if some ransom was paid before the release of Engineer Jerome Egbe and also if his abduction had something to do with his political ambition
Our sources said that one of his domestic staff Idoh Cyprian who was with him at the time of the incidence, was beaten and wounded by the assailants while trying to make way of escape, while calling on Nigerians to prevail on the abductors to release him.
Earlier, the Cross River State Police command had confirmed the incidence while responding to a text message from The Lens newspapers. The police Public Relations Officer, DSP Irene Ugbo said “We are working on his release”.
When contacted, the Head of Department of Civil Engineering, CRUTECH, where Engr. Jerome is a staff, Dr. Desmond Ewa called on the security agencies and the state government to intensify efforts towards the safe release of their colleague who was the former financial secretary of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), CRUTECH branch. He said ” I call on the Cross River State government to please use the security apparatus and see to the release of Engineer Jerome of the Civil Engineering department, from his abductors”.
On his part, the ASUU chairman, Dr. Emmanuel Ettah has assured members of the union who are worrying over the unfortunate incidence that he will be released soon as the body is working hard to ensure the safe release of their comrade. He added that the national body of the union has already been notified and called for calm and patience due to the precarious nature of the incidence. Said he, “Comrades, let me assure every member that the Exco is doing everything possible to get Engineer Jerome released. National has already been put on notice, the family has been contacted, but because of the nature of this case, we just have to be patient”.
So far there has been massive calls from well-known social media influencers in Cross River state seeking for his safe release. The abductee was a former Student Union Government (SUG) leader and a former president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). The release Jerome campaign with harsh tag “Free Jerome” has gained so much publicity already across social platforms.
Published in maiden edition, Lens Newspapers Vol. 1 No. 10.