Cross River Police Command operatives successfully rescued a former employee of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs. Caroline Bassey, who had been abducted by kidnappers.
The incident unfolded on Saturday, November 4, 2023, when Mrs. Bassey was taken from her residence on Peter Ojie Street, Off Winners Way, Calabar, at 11:30 a.m.
The kidnappers reportedly posed as customers interested in renting chairs from Mrs. Bassey. They subdued her security guard and confined him within a refrigerator. Subsequently, one of the abductors drove away from the premises in Mrs. Bassey’s personal vehicle. However, their plans were foiled when an alert was raised.
As the kidnappers attempted to leave the scene, a courageous Good Samaritan blocked their escape route. In their desperation to flee, two of the kidnappers abandoned their Camry vehicle and attempted to join their colleagues in Mrs. Bassey’s car. During this tumultuous turn of events, the vigilant Good Samaritan knocked down one of the kidnappers with his Toyota Hilux vehicle, enabling neighbors and local youths to apprehend him.
Meanwhile, police operatives intercepted the other two kidnappers along the Akamkpa axis, securing the safe rescue of the victim. During the operation, three suspects were arrested, and two vehicles were recovered.
The Cross River Police Command’s Anti-Cultism and Kidnapping Squad, led by SP Chukwuma Ogini, swiftly responded to a distress call regarding Mrs. Bassey’s abduction at Mathias Oje Avenue in Calabar Municipality. The command’s spokesperson, Irene Ugbo, commended the bravery of local youths, particularly the Njangachang community, who assisted in capturing the suspects.
The arrested suspects were found in possession of weapons, ammunition, and charms. Irene Ugbo reaffirmed Commissioner Gyogon Grimah’s commitment to eradicating criminal activities in the state, as directed by the Inspector General of Police.
