Security Operatives Kill Notorious Kidnapper, Four Others In Akwa Ibom

A combined team of the police, the Department of State Services and the Army, has reportedly killed a suspected kidnapper, Iso Akpafit.

Akpafit was said to have terrorised communities in the Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State for over a year.

He was also alleged to be responsible for some killings, cult clashes, robberies and kidnappings in the area.

It was learnt that Akpafit had been one of the most wanted persons on the police list before he was killed along with four others on Monday.

Our correspondent gathered that security operatives also arrested a native doctor who allegedly prepared charms for the criminals.

A resident, Mr. Edet Akpan, who confirmed the incident, said he saw the suspect’s corpse while it was being paraded in the community.

“As I speak to you, wild jubilation is ongoing in the whole of Ukanafun. Ukanafun people are happy. Personally, I am excited to be alive to witness this.

“Although four other members of the gang were killed, our people are particularly happy for the killing of the kingpin, Akpafit. We were told that their chief priest was arrested after he was shot in both legs. We don’t know his fate for now.

“Many of us were standing by the roadside when their dead bodies were moved out of Ukanafun in eight vans. And as the vehicles moved in a convoy, we were able to see the dead body of Akpafit,” he added.

It was gathered that Akpafit’s corpse had been deposited in the University of Uyo mortuary after a parade of the body around the community.

There were, however, conflicting reports on where he was killed, as some said he was shot dead in Rivers State, while others said he was killed in Ukanafun.

The Assistant Director, Public Relations, 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Major Umar Shuaib, said he was going to Ukanafun where he would issue a press release on the incident on Tuesday.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Macdon Ogbeche, said until the command got information from the field commander of what transpired, it would not make a statement on the arrest and death.