Eight of the nine passengers reportedly abducted by suspected gunmen in Akamkpa/ Biase local government area of Cross River State on Tuesday have regained freedom.
They were said to have been rescued by the police.
The victims were travelling from Calabar to Ikom when the gunmen attacked and kidnapped them.
An eyewitness who said he was lucky to escape, said the victims were dragged into Akamkpa/ Biase forest along Calabar/Ikom Highway on Tuesday evening.
He said the attackers who were fully armed with machetes and guns opened fire on the two vehicles plying the road, and took the driver and passengers away.
Efforts to get the police to confirm the incident failed as the Cross River State police public relations officer, SP Irene Ugbo, did take her calls.
Also, the permanent secretary, Special Services, Governor’s Office in Calabar, Dr. Alfred Mboto, in a telephone interview told LEADERSHIP that he was yet to be briefed by a special security squad drafted to the area to ensure the victims’ rescue.
