Gunmen have kidnapped the paramount ruler of Mbo Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, His Royal Majesty Ogwong Okon Asukwo Abang.
The abduction occurred around 9 pm on Saturday, May 18, 2024, when the gunmen stormed the victim’s palace in Ebughu community, firing sporadically. They then whisked him away to Ibaka beach, where he was transferred to a waiting speedboat that sped off into the Gulf of Guinea. During the attack, his wife, Obonganwan Okon Abang, was shot in the leg and critically injured. She was rushed to a private hospital in Oron, where medical personnel are working tirelessly to save her life.
State Police Command spokesperson Timfon John confirmed the abduction on Sunday, stating that Police Commissioner CP Waheed Ayilara and Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways Gen. Koko Essien (retired) have deployed police and other security operatives to the area to rescue the monarch and apprehend the suspects.
This kidnapping follows closely on the heels of another abduction. Medical doctors recently went on strike after their colleague, Dr. John Robbin Esu, was kidnapped nearly three weeks ago and remains in captivity. Additionally, the wife of Chief Asukwo Eweme Ulap Okon, a prominent political figure known as Levile, was abducted in Oron last week.
