Police on Tuesday confirmed the kidnap of Samuel Ben, councillor representing Ward 6 Central in Eket local government area of Akwa Ibom.

Police spokesman Odiko Macdon confirmed the kidnap in Eket.

He said the victim was kidnapped at his fuel station premises on Saturday at about 8:00 p.m.

Mr Macdon described the incident as “very unfortunate and unacceptable,’’ saying police commissioner Andrew Amiengheme ordered an investigation into the incident.

“Yes, we have received (a) preliminary report about the incident, and we are working on it. As I speak, a discreet investigation is ongoing, so I cannot deny the fact that we have that information at hand,” added the police officer. “A lot is being done already, and in no distance time, I think he will be freed. I don’t want to prompt the outcome of the investigation and efforts made by the police to ensure the victim is freed.”

Mr Macdon further stated that the police would bring the perpetrators to book.

Also speaking, a family source who requested anonymity said the councillor was kidnapped when he was taking stock of business at his fuel station.

“The wife and the councillor came to take stock of the account and to take some money home when the incident happened,’’ he said.

The source explained that the councillor took money to his car while the wife locked the office door.

“As this was happening, the gunmen entered the fuel station and abducted the councillor,’’ the family source said.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 6, Usman Gonna, on September 17, ordered the police in Akwa Ibom to investigate the abduction of two prominent sons of the state.

Two Akwa Ibom indigenes, Nelson Effiong and Nsidibe Umana, were kidnapped on September 5 and September 7, respectively.

(NAN)