Ex-Minister Escapes Death As Gunmen Kill Two, Abduct Others In Cross River

Usani Usani

Ex-Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Usani escaped death by a whisker as gunmen fired at his vehicle along the Calabar-Ikom highway of Cross River state.
 
 Usani, who is the governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP was reportedly to be on his way to his home town in Nko, Yakurr Local Government Area when he was attacked.

But while the ex-minister and his deputy who was with him were lucky, the gunmen killed two persons in another vehicle while three other persons were abducted.

The State Commissioner of Police, Sule Balarabe, who confirmed the news on Saturday, said it occurred between the axis of Akamkpa and Biase Local Government Areas of the state at about 4pm on Friday.

He 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.

The Commissioner further said that other persons were abducted in the process by the gunmen.

"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'' he stated.

Balarabe said that the rescued persons were members of the PRP who were traveling with the former Minister.

He solicited for 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 activities in the bud,'' he said.

Speaking on the attack, Media Aide to the former Minister, Mr David Agabi, said that 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'' he said.

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, my principal is in good condition,'' he added.