The police command in Akwa Ibom on Friday said it has rescued two abducted persons and recovered firearms in the Nsit Ubium council area.

The command’s spokeswoman, Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement in Uyo.

She said the command received credible intelligence on April 15, at about 8:19 p.m., indicating that some individuals from Edem Idim Okpot had attacked indigenes of Odoro Atasung Village.

The spokesperson said the rescued victims had gone to harvest palm fruits in a swampy area allegedly under dispute and during the attack, two people were abducted.

Ms John said both victims were, however, rescued unhurt and have since been reunited with their families.

“Acting promptly on the information, operatives of the command stormed the suspected hideout of the abductors in the early hours of April 16, at about 6:10 a.m.

“On sighting the police, the suspects fled the scene, abandoning their captives. During the operation, one locally made shotgun and a live cartridge were recovered from the scene,” she said.

Ms John said preliminary investigations revealed that the incident was linked to a long-standing dispute over ownership of the palm fruit plantation, which is currently pending before a court.

She said that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.

The officer said the police commissioner, Baba Azare, cautioned parties involved in the dispute to avoid resorting to self-help and to allow the law to take its course.

(NAN)