The Heart Nde Community in Ikom, Cross River, once known for its peace, is now grappling with criminality and frequent attacks by gunmen. On December 28, 2023, the community experienced yet another assault, resulting in several injuries, the tragic death of a child, and reports of abductions.
This is not the first time this attack has been launched on the community, as it was reported sometime in November when unknown gunmen attacked and abducted some persons. According to reports, the incident occurred between November 14th and 19th, when the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikom Local Government Area, Hon. Matthew Asinya Egomo, and his son were abducted in the same village, resulting in the tragic death of a medical doctor.
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The community near 32 Military Barracks in Edoh Ikom had additional checkpoints established by the military to address the situation.
On December 25th, Masterymedia reported on the Christmas Day attack, which occurred around 4:25 pm. The Chief of Nde Community, confirmed the abduction of individuals in a single vehicle. On that day, one person, Mr. Akpang, was reportedly killed, and several others were injured.
The community has mobilized youths and local vigilantes in an effort to search for the kidnappers and the victims. There is no information about the recently kidnapped individuals. According to a report from a villager in the vigilante group, accompanied by the police, they were close to apprehending the kidnappers when they were ambushed with heavy gunfire. This resulted in the scattering of vehicles and injuries to some members of both the police and village vigilantes.
Meanwhile, we are yet to ascertain whether the kidnappers have demanded ransom or if they intend to use the kidnapped victims for another purpose. At the time of compiling this message, the community is still actively searching for the kidnappers. The entire community is living in panic, and farming activities among the people of Nde are currently carried out in fear and uncertainty.
At VOTP News, we call upon the government to mobilize security agencies and the village local vigilante to lead a search and rescue team, and total eradication of the menace from Nde Community. For the families of the abductees, our sympathies and prayers are with you.
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