Samuel Ekerenam
By Victory Oghene
Samuel Ekerenam, owner of Hephzibah Shopping Mall in Eket, Akwa Ibom State
Kidnappers have abducted Mr. Samuel Ekerenam, owner of Hephzibah Shopping Mall in Eket, Akwa Ibom State.
He was reportedly abducted by gunmen in a violent attack that claimed the life of his driver and left his police orderly injured.
It was gathered that the incident occurred on Saturday around 10:55 p.m. at the shopping mall along Afaha Uqua Obok-Idim Road in Eket Local Government Area.
According to the Akwa Ibom State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Timfon John, the assailants ambushed Mr Ekerenam at the mall, fatally shooting his driver before overpowering and wounding his police escort.
The attackers then whisked the businessman away to an unknown location.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Eribo, along with his tactical commanders, has visited the crime scene, with efforts underway to ensure the victim’s safe rescue.
Meanwhile, the victim’s wife, Mrs. Glory Ekerenam, was abducted in Eket on October 17, 2019, and taken to the kidnappers’ hideout in Ikot Ubo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.
A family source, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the victim had returned home from work on the same day he was abducted.
The source added that a police officer, who was shot by the gunmen during the incident, remains in critical condition at an undisclosed hospital in the state.
