For the second time in 16 months, gunmen have abducted the Cross River State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ben Ukpekpi, in his home.
The state Vice Chairman of the NLC, Comrade Lawrence Achuta, who confirmed the kidnapping of his boss said he was kidnapped in front of his house at Cross River State Property Investment Limited (CROSPIL), a civil servant estate located in the Akpabuyo Local Government Area, some 20 minutes drive from Calabar, Cross River State capital.
Achuta called for the immediate release of the Chairman, wondering what could be his offense that the kidnappers find him luxury for their illegal business.
He called on the security agencies to swing into action and ensure that Comrade Ukpepi is released unhurt.
Also, the eldest son of the abducted chairman, Frank-Ben Ukpepi, said his father was kidnapped in front of his house by four armed gunmen and a fierce-looking lady with an Audi car.
Frank-ben said he followed them before they shot at his four tyres and took him to a waiting boat at the Esuk Ekpo Eyo beach, some minutes drive from the estate.
Meanwhile, Cross River Police Command also confirmed the kidnap of Ukpepi.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Irene Ugbo, said the Commissioner of police, Sikiru Akande, had deployed the anti-kidnapping and anti-cultism units of the police for immediate action to ensure the labour leader is released unhurt.
