Unknown gunmen stormed the residence of the traditional ruler of Akpabuyo LGA of Cross River State, His Royal Highness Etinyin Lawrence Nya Edet, before dawn on Monday and abducted the king.
The monarch’s son was shot dead while trying to block the gunmen from entering the house.
CrossRiverWatch said the king was assisting security agencies with information on how to nab criminals in his terrain prior to his abduction.
Police authorities in the state have confirmed the abduction, saying that “the police are working to secure his release.”
There have been increased attacks on traditional leaders in Cross River State.
About five days ago, the clan head of the Belegete community of Obanliku LGA, Chief Ogweshi Francis was kidnapped by suspected Ambazonian militants who invaded the community in dozens.
Ndabo Aloysius, a traditional leader in the Idebe- Efut area of Akpabuyo was trailed to Calabar and killed for allegedly giving information to security operatives recently.
Meanwhile, Patrick Egaga, a professor of special education at the University of Calabar, UNICAL, who was abducted on November 12, has been freed by his abductors.
Some staff of UNICAL confirmed his release but declined official comment on the issue.
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