Usani Usani, former minister of Niger Delta Affairs and governorship candidate of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) in Cross River State, narrowly escaped being killed by suspected kidnappers along the Calabar-Ikom highway.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that two unidentified persons, however, were unlucky as they were killed by gunmen who shot at their vehicle to kidnap them.
Mr. Usani was said to be on his way to his home town in Nko, Yakurr Local Government Area, together with a candidate for deputy governor and others when he was attacked.
He was a minister in the first term of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
The State Commissioner of Police, Sule Balarabe, who confirmed the news, said the incident took place between Akamkpa axis and Biase Local Government Area 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 said three other persons were abducted in the process by the gunmen.
“The vehicle that killed the two men had seven people including two police officers, ASP Ibor Bassey and Insp. Ebro Ebri who escaped and called for help.
“Tactical units were immediately dispatched to the area and three people have been rescued,” he said.
Mr. Balarabe said that the people he helped were PRP members who were traveling with the former minister.
He appealed for support by giving useful information to the police from the communities along the Calabar-Ikom highway.
“We call on all community leaders and traditional authorities to assist the security agencies by providing useful information through the special line.
“These criminals are not spirits, but human beings who live among them, without useful and timely information, it will be very difficult to eradicate this evil activity,” he said.
Speaking on the attack, the former minister’s media aide, David Agabi, said he escaped by a whisker.
According to him, “We were in a convoy, gunmen started shooting at us around Betem in Biase, the principal driver was injured when the vehicle was riddled with bullets.
“Other members of the party in the convoy also sustained various injuries.
“Four people were kidnapped, but when I spoke to you, only three were free again, one person is still missing, the principal is in good condition.”
(IN)
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