Operatives of the Cross River Police Command have rescued a 28-year-old taxi driver, Joseph David, and one other from their abductors.
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David was rescued on Saturday at Esuk Mba in the Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River.
SP Irene Ugbo, the state police spokesperson, confirmed the rescue on Sunday.
She stated that the rescue operation was carried out inside a forest at Esuk Mba by the Anti-Cultism and Anti-Kidnap Squad, a police tactical unit, in collaboration with the Army’s “Operation Akpakwu”.
David told newsmen, it was a setup.
“On our way to Esuk Mba to carry the palm oil, the man who hired me suddenly asked me to stop at a spot. All of a sudden, two young men came out of a nearby bush with guns and marched me into a speed boat and took me into the creeks.
“They left the person who hired me from Calabar with my vehicle, I believe he gave his accomplices a tip-off.
“They dropped me off at Anantigha before the anti-kidnap and `Operation Akpakwu’ operatives came to my rescue,” he said.
Similarly, a carpenter identified as Otobong, has also regained freedom from his captors after five days in captivity.
Otobong said he was let off the hook after he parted with the N37,000 found on him by his abductors.
“They called me with a number not registered on my phone and asked me to meet them at WAPI Junction in Calabar because they had a job for me.
“Before leaving, I called my wife to inform her; unfortunately, her phone line didn’t connect, so I had to inform my daughter about my movement instead.
“They were three in the car, a Toyota Camry. It was while they were driving me that I lost consciousness.
“They locked me in a room for five days with no food. Even the N37,000 I had with me was collected,” he said. NAN
