KIDNAPPERS once again defied God Sunday afternoon as they disrupted a church service at the God’s Own Ministry International, Akpan Essien Street, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, and seized Mr. Ime Ekpo, an architect and director with the state’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Renewal.
According to eyewitnesses, the suspected kidnappers stormed the church in a commando style and shot into the air to scare off members who were in the mood of worship.
The incident, which has sent shivers down the spine of members of the church as well as residents of the capital, is similar to last month’s incident during which the Assistant South-South Zonal Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Paul Inyang, was killed.
Altogether, about three persons have been kidnapped in the state while attending church service.
Inyang was killed while attending a church service at the St. Ebenezer African Church, Mbierebe Akpawat, in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of the state.
The Nigerian Compass gathered that Ekpo was shot on the arm by the hoodlums during the operation before he was bundled into a waiting saloon car, which apparently had been stationed there by the criminals for the purpose.
“There was total pandemonium in the church as the kidnappers shot into the air on their arrival. Worshippers ran in different directions,” an eyewitness said.
Confirming the incident, the Police Commissioner in the state, Mr. Rugbere, said one person has been arrested in connection with the incident, and that the police would not rest until kidnapping and other violent crimes are eradicated from the state.
